Some recent encounters I’ve had with these gorgeous little mammals. I’m always so surprised by how small they are, less than 10 inches tall standing up and weighing around 300 grams.
Greys spend more time on the ground than reds and because they're bigger and heavier than reds they can't go as far out on branches to escape pine martens.
I vaguely recall it being partly down to there being no pine martins where the greys come from and the reds while being quicker are cute enough, having evolved with the pine martins to spend less time on the ground where the risk is.
You've an amazing camera. Love the wee Iora Rua. Madadh Crainn is what they used be called alot back in the day (meaning tree dog, madadh is dog in Mayo Irish dialects, pronounced mah-doo)
A lot of animals have 2 names because of this ancient belief that if you said the animal's "true" name, they'd hear you and come. Why the wolf called Mac Tíre and not Faoladh, or Madadh/Madra Rua instead of Sionnach.
The other thing is it's often just a nickname/dialect name. Like there's like 40 different names for the heron.
What a wonderful time.... Memories of seeing these running around and how wild lots of ireland used to be and now excellent digital cameras to see and appreciate them close up................. Somehow I wish we would see this and more of our wildlife everyday and appreciate them
Gorgeous little things. I've yet to see one.
Their numbers are increasing thanks to the Pine Martin.
Because they're quicker than greys?
Greys spend more time on the ground than reds and because they're bigger and heavier than reds they can't go as far out on branches to escape pine martens.
You don’t have to beat the bear. You just need to be faster than the slowest runner in the group!
I vaguely recall it being partly down to there being no pine martins where the greys come from and the reds while being quicker are cute enough, having evolved with the pine martins to spend less time on the ground where the risk is.
This
Quicker and more nimble
Because they eat the greys
Is that because they can't catch the reds though?
Yep the reds are faster than the pine martens, while the greys are slower than them
I know a few spots in the midlands and cork if you wanted to PM me
Who are also adorable. Win win.
They are just rats with bushy tails
Spoken like a true city dweller
Go west! The greys apparently haven’t managed to cross the Shannon.
Love the second photo.
They’re hilarious to watch
Setting it as my laptop background. Great shot!
Same, it's such a cute pose! All pictures are so good, well done OP.
Thank you I really appreciate it
It's too cute!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Ah look at the lovely head on him!
Absolutely adorable
Is iontach e!
👍👍
If anyone’s into more Irish wildlife photography, I share regularly on Instagram: @evankearnswildlife
You've an amazing camera. Love the wee Iora Rua. Madadh Crainn is what they used be called alot back in the day (meaning tree dog, madadh is dog in Mayo Irish dialects, pronounced mah-doo)
Seems everything was named after pets, cat crainn, Madra Rua etc
A lot of animals have 2 names because of this ancient belief that if you said the animal's "true" name, they'd hear you and come. Why the wolf called Mac Tíre and not Faoladh, or Madadh/Madra Rua instead of Sionnach.
The other thing is it's often just a nickname/dialect name. Like there's like 40 different names for the heron.
What sort of camera do you use? It's class
Not all of them. One of my favourite Irish animal names is for jellyfish. Smugairle róin which means "seal snot" apparently.
Dobhar cú for otter, too.
Beautiful. Which camera?
Thanks! canon R7 with 600mm Telephoto lens
Are those your photos?
They are indeed
They're amazing, fair play.
Thanks!!
Gorgeous ❤️
Aren’t they just
Beautiful😍
Thanks!
Amazing photos
Thank you I really appreciate it
Agreed, super pics! 😍
Thank you!
https://i.redd.it/t7ndbx0i6sbg1.gif
Stunning pictures. Too cute 🥰!!!!
Thank you so much
Just beautiful, I've yet to see one.
You need to look up ⬆️
Great to see the red squirrel 🐿️ gorgeous photos
Thanks so much
Stunning photos, I'd love to see more Squirrels when out and about - Thanks OP.
*I worked with a guy once that was the image of photo no. 2.
Total prick.
Ive never in my life physically seen one , EVER :(
Fantastic photos
What a beauty! Unfortunately it's all greys near me
Hopefully the pine marten numbers increase there
What a beauty 😍
They’re so cute
Very nice. Portlaoise?
1 image is from Ballyfin, 2 are from cork
Reckon the lil fella knew there was a camera on him. There so cute 😍
I think they’re aware of my presence for sure
Modelesque… like a squirrel out of French Vogue! Lovely photos 😍
Thank you so much!
Lovely pictures
They're lovely. We have a couple that visit our garden.
teamred
Beautiful 😍
I want to snuggle it 😊😊
I was lucky enough to spot one in the hedgerow the other day in Tipperary, hanging out beside a magpie. I was wondering what they were chomping on.
What a wonderful time.... Memories of seeing these running around and how wild lots of ireland used to be and now excellent digital cameras to see and appreciate them close up................. Somehow I wish we would see this and more of our wildlife everyday and appreciate them
Stunning!
Had one in my garden during the early covid lockdowns.Was feeding on my bird feeders.Even the one stuck to first floor window:)
https://preview.redd.it/8wg3s462oxbg1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ed175fd4cc8041349508776d1b9c745af4db5683
Fantastic pics, bravo.
I've got one that's just started visiting our garden but it's beating me in the battle of wits involved in getting a decent photo.
great pics
Soooo cuteee
Awesome photos
Who knew what OPs name was before opening the post.
Love seeing their stuff pop up here