Grey Squirrel colouring (1 Viewer)

E

ellroy

Active member

• May 13, 2009

• #1

Hi,

Found this dead grey today with unusual sandy coloured markings. Is this common? I don't think it was anything to do with damage or decomposition

Cheers

Alan

 

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DaveN

Derwent Valley Birder

• May 13, 2009

• #2

The reddish tinge is very common and seen mainly in the Summer months. I wonder what killed it? Maybe that big paw had something to do with it

 

Farnboro John

Well-known member

• May 14, 2009

• #3

The brown is quite normal and responsible for many duff claims from Joe Public of persistent Red Squirrels where they haven't been for years. Mostly the same people that see Snowy Owl every winter near their local barn....

John

 

Martin Thomas

Retired student

• May 14, 2009

• #4

John is quite right and makes a valid point about mistaken identities. Grey colour morphs can range from red through to chocolate and black. I've seen one grey in Yorkshire in summer which was completely red except for the inside of the tail area. Similarily, we have reds here which are part grey (possibly their guard hairs?).