We went for a walk around our local woods this morning but decided to change from our usual route. An inspired decision as we found pine cones nibbled by squirrels and also located the trees where the crossbills that sometimes visit our garden were feeding. There have been a few reports recently of ‘small’ deer so we checked the plantation where they have been seen, but we couldn’t find any tracks or signs of them. A pile of woodpigeon feathers suggested a Sparrowhawk had eaten recently and we continued on our way. With the trees bare of leaves we counted at least 4 squirrel dreys and found what seems likely to be a Sparrowhawk nest as well. A squirrel sat above our heads, chattering angrily at the disturbance to his domain. Then we left the footpaths and set out to explore amongst the trees. A pile of chewed feathers showed evidence of the carcass having been eaten by a fox and we went deeper into the gloom of the denser part of the wood. Sarah was just photographing a fungus when we noticed movement through the undergrowth…and two Red Squirrels came charging headlong towards us. At the last minute they sprinted straight up the trunk of the tree that we were next to. So many secrets, so close to home. Seeing the familiar in a new light is really invigorating.