pinemartens – Wild Life Photography

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Welcome to PINE MARTENS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY.

Based in Scotland much of our wildlife photography focuses close to home on native animals and birds. Here the variety of environments provide homes to a diverse range of wildlife.

We have a long standing interest in wildlife and wildlife photography and have made several trips overseas, in pursuit of wildlife, including trips to parts of Africa, particularly Kenya, Tanzania and Gambia, or The Gambia to use the proper name.

The Pine Marten
In the UK the elusive Pine Marten represents, for many, a symbol of an ultimate UK, particularly Scottish wildlife photography quest. This has always been one of our favourite animals.

If you are looking for Pine Martens click the featured image. Read on for other wildlife.

PineMarten-2943 — Featured Image – Pine Marten

We also have an interest in Cocker Spaniels. Particularly working Cockers. Which we have kept as pets for a number of years. Surprisingly they and UK wildlife Photography are a good combination. Although they are well suited to hunt. Equally their behaviour can be adapted to find. But not pursue wildlife.

Occasionally we breed our cockers. Although not on a commercial basis. As our dogs always come first.

Galleries of wildlife extend further afield. Include animals and birds of Africa. In particular Kenya and Tanzania. Select wildlife photography galleries from Scotland or Africa by clicking an image below.

The main Pine Marten website pages show gallery collections. Find specific wildlife subjects can by browsing. Either within the Pinemarten galleries or blog.

Wildlife Photography - UK & Scotland — Wildlife – UK & Scotland

Pine Marten Gallery

Pine Marten – UK Wildlife

The Pine Marten is one of the UKs most elusive mammals.

Globally, There populations extend from Western Siberia to Russia and Europe.

In the UK they are still rare. Having an estimated population of about 3,500. Their stronghold being the north and west highland of Scotland. Here however the population continues to grow, their range spreading outward from their stronghold.

Pine Marten Images.

What is a Pine Marten?

It is a medium sized mammal belonging to the Weasel or mustelid family. They have a long slender body about 70 cm long and are about the size of a cat.

Pine Marten – History

Pine Marten (Martes martes) – Once common throughout the UK. Unfortunately, the species suffered serious decline, particularly during the 19^th century. De-forestation and persecution having attributed to their decline.

As a result the UK population had dwindled. By the turn of the 20th century only isolated pockets remained. Chiefly these were in the North West Scotland.

In 1988 Martes Martes was listed under schedule 5 of the wildlife and countryside act. This gave the species legal protection.
Since then the UK population has expanded from the north west of Scotland spreading east and south. They are now found as far south as Argyle & Bute and parts of Perth and Kinross. Re-introduction schemes in Wales and the Scottish borders have extended the animals range further.

Pine Marten – Characteristics

Pine Martens belong to the Weasel family. They are brown over all, have a distinct light cream underside and front. While being about 70 cm long.

They can be distinguished from other Weasel type animals. In particular by their greater size. For example the Stoat is about 15-30 cm in size. While the Weasel is even smaller at about 15-25 cm long. Also there are slight colour differences. For example the Stoat has a distinct black tip to the tail. Weasels are brown overall with a pale underside.

In summary the Pine Martens greater size and distinct colour simplify identification. Further they are similar in size to a smallish cat.

Diet

Although carnivorous they have a varied and seasonal diet and will eat small mammals, particularly voles, small birds, berries and insects.

Habitat

Typically they lives in mixed or native woodland. They can however survive in a range of environments including conifer plantations or rocky and even open landscape. Pine Martens, particularly males or dogs, can have large territories depending on the quality of woodland within their range.

Find more information here

or at wildlife trust