PolecatCam in colour

I have been experimenting with a new trail camera.  Until now I have been using almost exclusively Browning cameras but the current HP5 is now looking a bit limited.  The new one is a Camtraptions Trail Camera and it also has several limitations (more on that another time) but what intrigued me was its ability to record colour video at night using white light LEDs. Camtraptions are mainly known for their high-end camera trap accessories used with DSLR cameras so I think this is a new(ish) development for them.

As the opportunity was there I first used the camera for a polecat video without having been able to try it out at home.  I put on a +1.25 dioptre close-focus lens which would have been right for a Browning but which in retrospect was a bit too strong here.  I took along a hollow log, as I had used for pine martens a couple of years ago, and hoped the polecat would go through it heading towards the camera rather than away from it.  It did both and also climbed over the top, mainly out of view, probably just exploring the log because it was new.  It recorded several clips, mostly on the first night, and this was the best bit.

I am intrigued that the polecat (and wood mice, domestic cats, and roe deer), showed no reaction to the bright white lights switching on as recording started.  It even came right up to the camera to sniff it.

The tree stump is an obvious landmark and the polecat is a regular visitor.  Polecats are not really territorial in that they don't defend a territory against other polecats but they are thinly spread across the landscape so they need to know who's around if they are to find a mate.  The scent-marking is a way of advertising your presence and checking on the neighbours.

We moved the camera box to a slightly different position and the polecat came to check it out again.  Despite being a big animal in a small space it was careful not to knock the camera.

There were several other visitors to the box.  Here are some of them, the last of which was rather clumsy.

Once again I am indebted  to Jane and Gareth Hughes for allowing me to put the cameras on their land.  The cameras have been redeployed for the time being but we may have another look for polecats later in the year.