'Doghouse' gets the wild cats (and ferret)...

Hi everyone,

I recently shifted to a new house out in the country. Over in the paddock next to the house is a pile of large old logs. I put out a couple of dead rabbits hoping to get a Harrier or two coming in for some photographic oppurtunities out of the 'doghouse blind'. I did see a couple feeding on the rabbits one day so the next evening set up the blind. Wouldn't you know it ........ a no show. However, all was not lost. Just before the sun went down a couple of wild cats appeared and with a lot of initial caution, started feeding on the rabbit.

1.

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To save starting a whole new thread I thought I'd post this one of a ferret.......

Later on in the night I saw a couple of other dark shapes moving around back in under the logs. I was very surprised to see this chap and his mate appear very, very briefly and was lucky to even get this shot considering how fast and 'never stay still' animals that they are. Ferrets are not often seen and are mainly nocturnal so I think very lucky to get this one.

Matt.

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Great stuff with the cats, Matt, thanks for sharing!

cool stuff...

4,6,and 7 are my favorites. vicious little buggers!

Are these a species of wild cat? Or just domestic cats that have gone feral? And are the cats/ferrets native to New Zealand?

Wow I have never seen or heard of wild cats eating like that. Nice shots!

darosk wrote in post #9765081
Great stuff with the cats, Matt, thanks for sharing!

Thanks Daros. Appreciate it.

superdiver wrote in post #9770303
cool stuff...

Cheers David.

ribbie78 wrote in post #9771026
4,6,and 7 are my favorites. vicious little buggers!

Thanks for looking Ribbie. Yeh, the ferrets especially. Smelly little sods too ..... .

Ephily wrote in post #9777896
Are these a species of wild cat? Or just domestic cats that have gone feral? And are the cats/ferrets native to New Zealand?

Hi Ephily. They originated from domesticate cats. I guess ones gone wild on their own accord and also people 'dumping' unwanted ones. Cheaper than having them put down by a vet but most don't realise the impact wild cats have on our native bird species when doing it. I work in the pest control industry and catch many wild cats as 'by-catch' when targeting possums. Over generations they do develop their own unique characteristics that differ from their domestic 'forefathers', so to speak. Bigger, 'boofier' heads, shorter tails and much, much larger feet. Also their overall size is much larger. I'm also astounded at the very isolated, harsh back country environments they live in.
As for the ferrets......they are even deadlier on our birds than the cats. Ferrets were introduced to N.Z. in the early 19th century as a means of controlling the massive rabbit population (also imported). What they didn't realise back then was that the ferrets found the native birds much easier prey than the rabbits !!! (Our native birds evolved with no predators).

Morlow wrote in post #9780020
Wow I have never seen or heard of wild cats eating like that. Nice shots!

Thanks very much Morlow.

Some interesting behavioural images there, Matt. Good stuff.

Those cats are very cool looking! I appreciate the brief history of their presence in NZ that you wrote a few posts earlier. Interesting how a species can change over time when forced to live in wild habitats.

I am thinking that you could remove the carcasses when you wrap it up for the night. Then put them back out in the daylight when you're able to shoot again. If you make it impossible for the ferret to feed on them at night, then maybe he/she will have to expose himself/herself when there's better light.

Those ferals look beautiful compared to what we have around here. Wouldn;t want to start a feeding habit with them though You will be over run with kits.

Really excellent series though.

Great shots. Next time, for the sake of the wildlife, I hope you also decide to use another implement that also shoots. The only good ferret in NZ is a dead one, and same for wild cats.

Anke wrote in post #9780231
Some interesting behavioural images there, Matt. Good stuff.

Cheers Anke.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #9781881
Those cats are very cool looking! I appreciate the brief history of their presence in NZ that you wrote a few posts earlier. Interesting how a species can change over time when forced to live in wild habitats.

I am thinking that you could remove the carcasses when you wrap it up for the night. Then put them back out in the daylight when you're able to shoot again. If you make it impossible for the ferret to feed on them at night, then maybe he/she will have to expose himself/herself when there's better light.

Thanks Tom and also for the suggestions on gaining better shots of the mustelid.

Flo wrote in post #9783330
Those ferals look beautiful compared to what we have around here. Wouldn;t want to start a feeding habit with them though You will be over run with kits.

Really excellent series though.

Yeh, I'm aware of that Gail. I'll prolly only try a couple more sessions.

pleb1024 wrote in post #9783911
Great shots. Next time, for the sake of the wildlife, I hope you also decide to use another implement that also shoots. The only good ferret in NZ is a dead one, and same for wild cats.

Thanks very much for the comment Pleb....appreciate it. And yup, the adult female looks like she's 'in kitten' so might look at lessening the population by one or more before she drops. There's also a small covey of Californian Quail that hang out close by which will always be in danger.