It's all in the poo

For the time being whilst social distancing and lockdown are so essential we are limited on options for getting out and about but nonetheless we are exploring new places where we can. It's a real eye-opener how much more I notice when I'm out on my own rather than with the girls, and I'm not entirely sure whether that because my attention is elsewhere or because they can be SO loud! Most parents of young kids are used to the never-ending monologue of 'put that down', 'don't eat that', 'stay away from the big river' and the constant plea for snacks and drinks and tissues and...

We headed to a local nature reserve set alongside the River Thames that is usually teeming with muntjac deer and the occasional roe deer and together we've seen them frequently in the past.

Today, however, was not that day. Perhaps it had something to do with people exercising dogs in the area, but nonetheless Turtle and her eagle eyes did spot some poo and requested help with the ID - muntjac without a doubt. It's great to see a 6yr old so excited at spotting field signs. Seahorse on the other hand was less enthusiastic after I stopped her trying to squish it!

If you're not too sure what a muntjac deer looks like and can't quite envisage them from this photo, do check them out here.

British mammal tally: 3

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