Tim

So, excuse my ignorance, but what have I caught here on the trailcam in our Edinburgh garden? A stoat?

#trailcam #animalidentification #stoat

May 11 at 9:17amWeb
Show threadDavid - Forking MadMay 11

@subtleshiftinemphasis Yeah, I would say Stoat.

Stoats have a longer tail (often half the length of their body) and always have a black tip.  Weasels have a short stumpy tail, and all brown.

I think I can see a change of colour in the tail

The body seems big, but it's hard to get a sense of scale.  Stoats and Weasels are small.  Like 20/25cm bodies

Show threadTimMay 11
@daj Thank you! In terms of scale I would put it at about 25cm from nose to tail
Show threadCharlie Phillips/DolphinchazMay 11
@subtleshiftinemphasis @daj A young Pine Marten came to my mind?
Show threadTimMay 11
@Dolphinchaz @daj Also a possibility. I'm going to leave the camera out in the same place for a few more days and see if we get any more pictures. It was far too fast to be captured by the video
Show threadDavid - Forking MadMay 11
@Dolphinchaz @subtleshiftinemphasis I did think about that option. However Pine Martins have a more bushy tail in comparison. If this were a youngster it may have a less fuzzy tail.  The timing is roughly correct for it leaving the nest/den, however for the first six months they travel as a family unit so you'd probably see a few.  If its a lone adult the tail is very flat.  Hmmm 🤔 maybe more images in future days will help.  An interesting one.
Show threadCharlie Phillips/DolphinchazMay 11
@daj @subtleshiftinemphasis It was the thinner tail that made me think of a youngster. I've filmed and photographed Martens quite a few times over the years.