20 Jul 24 - Preparing For The Island Games

The Island Games began in 1985 as the Inter-Island Games, involving the islands surrounding the United Kingdom, but also encouraged the countries of Iceland and Malta, the territories of Faroe Islands, Greenland, Saint Helena, the Channel Islands and others to participate in various sports. The Island Games are still going with additional small islands also included. To date, Brownsea Island is not involved, but it looks like this Red Squirrel is practicing to get involved in a future games.

Red Squirrel: I spotted this Red Squirrel at a distance up the main track. I knew they like to use the track as a pathway when quiet, so I moved into the side of the track, got the camera ready & waited

Red Squirrel: Bounding down the track

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel: Time for a breather. Has it clocked me?

Red Squirrel: It pauses long enough for me to improve the camera settings

Red Squirrel: He is off again

Red Squirrel: Coming to a stop again. Unfortunately, the intervening action shots weren't sharp

Red Squirrel: Checking out an interesting-looking stone which looks like a peanut in its shell

Red Squirrel: After confirmation it was just a stone, it's time to get moving again

Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel: Practicing to get onto the winners podium

There are many reasons why I enjoy volunteering on the DWT Brownsea reserve with the weekly Birding being one of the many reasons. However, it is probably the regular encounters with these endearing Red Squirrels, & not the Birds, that is the main reason.