A stoat has been spotted in Pilsbury, Derbyshire, treating observers to a remarkable display of agility and a rare moment of stillness. The sighting, the first of the year for the group, was announced by Helen, who initially noticed the animal.
The stoat moved fluidly along a limestone wall through ancient sheep pasture, prompting alarm among a flock of tits. It then darted into an old elder tree, climbing midway up and scampering through the lower branches. Its movements were so rapid that its body seemed to flow in liquid twists, at times corkscrewing upside down as though gravity barely applied.
The most extraordinary moment came when the stoat paused. It dropped to the wall, found a mossy niche, and rolled over with its lemon-coloured chest uppermost. With head and neck draped downwards, it observed the human onlookers while upside down. In this lounge-lizard posture, it wriggled its back, possibly to mark its scent or satisfy an itch, for about ten seconds before continuing.
The stoat then resumed its journey, returning to the tree and eventually dashing across the field. It later reappeared, peeping from elevated points along the wall, and came face to face with Helen., who was attempting to record the moment. After briefly assessing whether she was prey or predator, it departed lightly, its black-tipped tail upright and flickering.
