#Latest news with #polecatThe Guardian5 days agoGeneralThe GuardianCountry diary 1950: Everyday life at Dippersmoor ManorHEREFORD: As I went up the pitch just outside my gate called Hangman's Hill a polecat passed on the road in front of me. The keeper on a nearby estate told me he had trapped about 40 in the last few years but had never seen a polecat alive. Ravens still build in the big wood. I saw one on a misty morning flying low down; it was croaking dismally. Sheep-shearing is nearly over; it must be a relief to the ewes in this fierce sun to get their mantles peeled off. So far my lamb has only gone round and watched the shearing. A hitherto indolent young tom cat has killed and eaten a large grey squirrel, leaving only the flat tail – a very sporting effort. And the old tabby cat has two coal-black kittens in the barn; I hope they may be lucky – they are certainly not beautiful and will, I trust, stay out there.
The Guardian5 days agoGeneralThe GuardianCountry diary 1950: Everyday life at Dippersmoor ManorHEREFORD: As I went up the pitch just outside my gate called Hangman's Hill a polecat passed on the road in front of me. The keeper on a nearby estate told me he had trapped about 40 in the last few years but had never seen a polecat alive. Ravens still build in the big wood. I saw one on a misty morning flying low down; it was croaking dismally. Sheep-shearing is nearly over; it must be a relief to the ewes in this fierce sun to get their mantles peeled off. So far my lamb has only gone round and watched the shearing. A hitherto indolent young tom cat has killed and eaten a large grey squirrel, leaving only the flat tail – a very sporting effort. And the old tabby cat has two coal-black kittens in the barn; I hope they may be lucky – they are certainly not beautiful and will, I trust, stay out there.
5 days ago
