Squirrels defying gravity

Argaty Red Kites is renowned as a place to see birds of prey, but as Keith found out, there are some less-expected flyers too

As we sat in this small wildlife hide in a Stirlingshire woodland, I didn’t know which way to look – ahead was a nuthatch on a branch, to my right was a chaffinch, and on the other side, a feeding party of long-tailed tits swarmed around a peanut feeder.

Beside me was Tom Bowser of the Argaty Red Kites centre near Doune and, as my camera clicked away, I felt like a child in a sweet shop – excited and spoiled for choice at this wonderful wildlife bonanza.

“Here comes a red squirrel,” whispered Tom.

This squirrel was on a mission, bold and determined. It jumped several feet up to the top of a specially created, moss-covered feeding platform, then paused for a second, and looked upwards, scrutinising in eager anticipation the final prize.

Here, even higher still, was a small, wire-suspended, oval, wooden platform, where several tantalising hazelnuts nestled. In an effortless leap, the squirrel flew upwards as if on invisible wings, landed on the platform, snaffled a nut and jumped down.

It bounded away to bury its treasure, little forepaws carefully pattering the soil back into place.

The agility of the squirrel was a joy to watch – and this was one of the reasons why Tom created this hide and its associated feeding platforms. He was keen for visitors to witness first-hand the amazing aerial acrobatics of red squirrels, and had designed a series of achievable, but safe, challenges.

For the squirrels, it was a case of “nae bother”, overcoming each one with considerable aplomb. I soon began to hold them with new-found respect, such was their intelligence in working out routes to the top.

Argaty, a working farm, is best known for its red kites, established as it has been for many years as a viewing centre for these magnificent birds of prey.

In a bid to broaden the wildlife experience even further, in 2018, Tom set up a photography hide suitable for small groups in a patch of nearby woodland, where food is laid to attract songbirds and squirrels. The hide was a great success, and now he has built another, smaller one nearby, suitable for solo photographers.

Tom’s passion for nature is infectious, full of ideas of how to promote wildlife and make it more accessible, including for children.

Enthusing youngsters about our precious wildlife is so important, for they will be the environmental guardians of the future.

To further this goal, Tom is organising bird’s nest-box building sessions this month at two local schools, where each pupil will get to build a box, and take it home for their garden.

“Biodiversity is crashing and the climate is in chaos, but small things can make a difference,” he explains.

With people like Tom opening the door to our younger generation to the many wonders of nature, one can’t help but feel optimistic for the future.

The Argaty Red Kites centre and the two wildlife photography hides are open all year round. Booking is advised. More details at www.argatyredkites.co.uk

Picture: Lynn Bowser. By tucking yourself up in a hide at Argaty, you may well be treated to an impressive sight!