February 2023 has provided a very similar result to January, namely no new evidence of red squirrels. In spite of our expectations and optimism, the Mount Stuart area has so far shown zero evidence of squirrels visiting our feeders.  Our feeders are now in new locations and our fingers are firmly crossed that March will bring some exciting new data on Bute’s elusive red squirrels.  From a scientific perspective it is important to remember that a negative result is just as important as a positive one. The Mount Stuart red squirrel sightings in October and November last year implied that red squirrels had ‘arrived’ there; our recent results from our feeders suggests that late last year there might have been just one red squirrel visiting the area.  One thing is certain though. Trying to study and understand our wildlife requires a lot of hard work and determination. We have got a great team of people out there checking feeders and checking trail camera footage, week after week, whatever the weather.