In south Derbyshire this week you spotted an elusive otter, whose traces are sometimes easier to find than the real thing. With 6-7cm long five-toed footprints, droppings which have visible fish bones and smell like jasmine tea. Another carnivore was seen nearby, the red kite; whose wingspan can reach up to 1.8 m and can weigh up to 1.2 kg.
Spotted further north was the smallest bird in Europe, the goldcrest. This bird is a year-round resident and has a wingspan of 14 cm and weighs up to 6 g. Goldcrests are named after the gold crown on top of the males’ heads.
