The Secret Life of the Pine Marten - Full Documentary

[@oscarsh2909]

When you say "People don't allow trees to get old enough to provide for adequate widlife" this is so true and sad... I live in Sweden and people say "We have so much forest" but if you ask me I'd say almost everything is a plantation of spruse and pine. And when it's time to harvest, they just take every tree they can see leaving behind a kind of desert. It's disgusting and it's most oftenly not the work of one single man, but is the work of rich corporations.

[@lenaolivetti9366]

Thank you

[@Ripkallen]

Same here in Norway. It's disgusting.

[@oscarsh2909]

@@Ripkallen Sad to hear. It absolutely is!

[@CristinaF210]

omg they do the same in my country Portugal they pretty much with the "wildfires" are planting eucalyptus to make quick wood it frows fast BUT it leaved the soil with no nutrients to plant anything more, meanwhile our beautiful dinossaur old pine trees in portugal they are smaller and are one day a thing of the past with its wonderful smell and nuts ours gives us pine nuts its so good and resine and other things and its slowly going to just make PAPER heartbreaking and criminal

[@WildlifeInCloseUp]

What an amazing piece of work. The sheer amount of natural behaviour you captured puts a lot of professional productions to shame! SO good to see others doing this kind of work, that just oozes authenticity.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Coming from someone with your career; this means a great deal to me. I'm a huge fan of your work; The Frozen Planet, The Blue Planet, The Life of Birds, Life in the Freezer to name a few. Not to mention the Emmy Award. I'm also subscribed to your KZbin channel (also excellent). Thanks very much for watching my film and for your kind comment. Much appreciated. You've made my day.

[@stiwarly7889]

This is the best documentary about pine martens I have ever seen. Great job

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks for the comment. Really appreciate that.

[@lauravincent4583]

Thank you for the beautiful film!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks very much 🙏

[@MortenHilmer]

What a masterpiece you are sharing here. I truly enjoyed watching this documentary and I am looking so much forward to seeing your other videos. It makes me happy so see these old trees and to witness how you keep it wild. All the best, Morten

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Morten. Great to hear from you. I'm a big fan of your channel. I really enjoy your wildlife photography adventures. I'm just starting out on KZbin so it's great to hear that you enjoyed my film and it's very kind of you to take the time to leave a comment. Like you I've rewilded my land and get so much pleasure from the wild animals that make their home here. All the best.

[@TosinAnimashaun]

A truly enthralling watch. Your dedication to this work has certainly made it a more appealing creature.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks for the Super Thanks 👍 Appreciate your kind words too.

[@dianerawlings8307]

Really loved this film. Great footage

[@yarnandleaves9378]

Beautiful, I really enjoyed the footage and narration. Could really tell your love for these little guys. Also appreciated the calmness of the edit. Many modern wildlife documentaries overuse dramatic music and sound effects so this was refreshingly different.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks for your kind comment. I'm really glad that you enjoyed it.

[@13aBOC]

Wow! As good as it gets on youtube! Perfection! Thank you for posting.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Appreciate your comment. All the best 👍

[@leolake8964]

Thank you so much for creating this Dan! It made me laugh and cry! I'm about do to my first Ecology masters assignment and have chosen pine martens as a study for conservation. This film has been invaluable and has made me feel closer to understanding them and their needs.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Leo. It took me 2 years to make the film so it's really great to hear that you enjoyed it so much. Best of luck with your masters assignment. It's definitely an exciting time to be studying Pine Martens. They're just starting to slowly come back which is great news. Still a lot of work to be done though and a lot of risks. I'm currently finishing a film about red squirrels so hopefully you will enjoy that one too when I release it. Should be finished soon. You should read Dr Johnny Birks book on Pine Martens if you haven't already. It's brilliant: www.waterstones.com/author/johnny-birks/650673

[@green_heart_epics]

Fantastic footage! I enjoyed every second of it. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope that many many people will appreciate your work.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment.

[@KathleenMartin-lr5ov]

Excellent and interesting to hear their vocals. Good to have natural background sound instead of music drowning it. Lovely to see the young ones playing like kittens!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Kathleen. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.

[@DingoAttack]

I have been searching documentaries of mustelids for a long time. Thank you so much, and it is really nice to see so much love for such an amazing creature!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Fran. Great to hear that you enjoyed it.

[@Chutley]

this is some of the best footage I've ever seen of pine martens in the wild! thanks for posting it here, great work

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks J. Really appreciate your comment.

[@sylvsf]

This is an amazing documentary. Thank you so much Dan for all your efforts, patience and skill in making and sharing it. Well done

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Sylvie. I really appreciate your kind comments too.

[@marcustrelle4898]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Do you agree with the Irish farmer who said they should be culled?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@marcustrelle4898 Hi Marcus. No I don't. No endangered species should be culled. They're native animals.

[@angeluomo]

Stunning. This is excellent work. Congratulations!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Appreciate the comment. Thank you.

[@dianerawlings8307]

What an amazing documentary. Superb footage. I learnt so much. Ready to watch again!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@lourollz5003]

funky creature yay!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Amazing animals 👌

[@ehsansabaghian5617]

Amazing documentary. Narration synch with the pictures perfectly. Martens is one of my favorite animals. I enjoyed this a lot. Well done.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Appreciate your comment Ehsan. Me too. They're fascinating animals. Thanks.

[@monoPRD]

Very cool video. In Croatia, pine marten is national animal. Our currency (before euro) was called 'Kuna' which is Croatian word for pine marten. Centuries ago it's fur was used as a currency and the name stuck.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I didn't know about the Kuna. I just Googled it. Thanks for the info 👍

[@monoPRD]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Thank YOU for the video. I thought that info was appropriate so I wrote the comment :) have a nice weekend

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

​@@monoPRDI bought the coin you mentioned on Ebay to take a look. Thanks again. Enjoy your weekend too 👍

[@monoPRD]

@@handmadewildlifefilms hope you like it. We still have Kuna on euro but it's not the same :/

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

​@@monoPRDThanks 👍

[@drug.3797]

It's really a great video, beautifully done.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Dru 👍

[@Squarepeg57]

Fantastic film! I enjoyed it so much, thanks.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Much appreciated 👍

[@User01AS]

I don’t mean to insult by using the term “amateur documentarian “ but for an amateur documentarian you’ve done an outstanding job capturing footage, narrating and choosing music that makes this one of the most enjoyable things I’ve watched on KZbin for years. Thanks and keep doing what you are doing, you are good at it.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi A.S. I really appreciate your comment and your kind words. It's great to read because I put a lot of effort into my films and so it's always nice to hear that people enjoy watching them. It's exciting that my channel is growing and I'm really grateful for all of the support I've received. Especially as my films take much longer to make than most KZbin videos and so I can't post as often as other channels. I'm in it for the long run. More films to come... Thanks again.

[@lauravincent4583]

Such a beautiful documentary! I really enjoyed watching it. Thank you!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks :-D

[@janetturner7489]

I have seen pine martens in the Highlands, they're so lovely to watch. This documentary is excellent with lots of information and great footage. Thanks for posting, my favourite land mammal.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Janet. Appreciate your comment.

[@colincampbell4261]

Great documentary, thank you.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Colin. Very kind of you to say.

[@melorbode]

I love this...

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks 🙏

[@Glasgowurbanwildlife]

Fantastic Film and very informative! well done!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. I really appreciate your comment. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@TimsWildlife]

Amazing work! Thank you so much for this wonderfully entertaining and educational film ❤. We have pine martens in our back yard. I just installed a nest box in the trees.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Tim. Really appreciate your comment. Let me know how you get on with the natal box. Thanks again 👍

[@BadlndsBob]

I really enjoyed this documentary! I am very interested in mustelids and this really was a great film for me. I agree with the others that your footage was superb. That you so much for making and posting this!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Bob. It's great to hear from people who support Mustelids. It's also good to hear from people who enjoyed my film. Your comment is appreciated 👍

[@DavidMartin-ym2te]

We didn't realise pine marten are as rare as that. We are lucky enough to have them here in our Perthshire garden. They help themselves to an occasional duck and there are plenty red squirrels to hunt but mostly we see them searching wild bird nests in spring and they don't seem to mind polishing off the any chicken's food left over. Their footprints are quite large considering the size of the animal. My son has twice caught one looking at his computer screen through the window so we know they are very inquisitive. There is a mother with four youngsters at the moment.

[@stefaniakonstantinidou981]

Do they eat kittens? I m afraid for myca t s kittens at the moment

[@kayedal-haddad]

Absolutely amazing documentary. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. Appreciate your comment 🙏

[@jean-paulbagur4470]

Beautifully shot with knowledgeable narration and stunning drone clips. So great to see one of Britain's rarest mammals in such intimate detail!!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Jp

[@TheChewbee]

WoW !!! Amazing I love pine martens and seen only one for few seconds, you are blessed with those observations !!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Eelkyd. Yes, a great experience. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@batjutsu]

Thank you for this fantastic documentary. Beautiful and informative 😍

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks for your comment. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the film.

[@HedgeWitch-st3yy]

This is beautiful. Found you through Leave Curious, fantastic to see such thoughtful and informative work.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. That's great. Really kind of you to say 👌

[@animalsofherewood]

Excellent documentary, I’ve spotted one once and he was dragging off a dead baby rabbit into the woods that surround my cottage, haven’t caught any on camera since. How close have you got to them when filming or was it all with trail cameras or the like?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi. Thanks for your comment. Very much appreciated. I used a range of camera types to make the film; GoPro, Sony A Series and trail cameras. They came really close a few times but I felt it was important not to intrude on their privacy and most importantly of all I didn't want them to lose their fear of people. So I moved away or made loud noises when they got too close.

[@hamishlittleton8783]

Fabulous film, full of fascinating information - thanks! :-)

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Hamish. Very kind of you to say 👍

[@theshaydedlotus3128]

Fantastic documentary!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Many thanks! 👍

[@gjd1942]

Excellent presentation and great footage!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks GJ

[@Aeowyn23]

that was wonderful thank you - I live in Normandy in France and am fortunate enough to have at least one pine marten where we live - I see their scat everyday just about, and I have captured them now and again on the trail camera but only once have I seen one during the day running through the trees - they truly are beautiful and amazing creatures and its great to know a little bit more about them, so thanks.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Elaine. Thanks for your message. I too regularly see their scats in the woodland around my house. They're fascinating animals. So exciting to have around. Glad to hear that you enjoyed my film 👍

[@matthewschmitz8034]

Marvelous work! Loved the points about evolution and the cheeky jokes :)

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Matthew. Appreciate your comment 👍

[@Badger-w8u]

Brilliant , too short . Fantastic camera trapping . Enjoyed every second and learned soo much !

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Paul. Very much appreciate your comment. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

[@PhilWade75]

I really enjoyed this,well done on capturing some excellent footage,the music choice was perfect too..

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Phil. Nice of you to comment.

[@PhilWade75]

@@handmadewildlifefilms No problem at all

[@mmajoor3267]

Hi! My name is Myrthe Majoor and I'm currently researching the pine marten for my upcoming animated short film. During my research in the Dovrefjell area, I stumbled upon a resting spot of a pine marten. The beautiful animal lay stretched out on a flattened bed of moss on top of a tree trunk. It took off only seconds after I spotted him. It was such a special moment and I want to incorporate it in my short film as well. In my opinion, I can't do that without researching this beautiful species first. Your documentary was a delight!! Great shots, lots of knowledge and inspiration. I'm glad to now know so much more about the pine marten. Thank you very much for creating this, I will keep following your work!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Myrthe. Thanks for your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed my film. I took a look at your website; some great artwork. I have shared a link here in case anyone else wants to take a look. Please share the finished Pine Marten once it's done. Thanks again 👍 myrthemajoor.com/

[@mmajoor3267]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Hi! How nice of you to reply! Thank you for the compliment and the sharing of my work! I will definitely let you know when the pine marten scene is finished and I'll make sure to share a link. Thank you! 😊

[@Walkthewild]

I have just been lucky enough to add on to my you tube channel, my first trail camera film of a Pine marten in Wales. This video is just what I was looking for for more information on them, thank you.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks

[@freeindeed13]

Awesome job - thank you!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Nick. Very kind of you to say. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@harveypearson202]

Thanks a lot for the information and beautiful footage

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Harvey

[@Henry-C-Bukowski]

Thanks for the time and effort you put into this film, I think it's exceptional - especially, some of the information you've collected. I find it really interesting that you didn't film the martens wiggle whilst depositing scats, as this seems to be an accepted behaviour. I also love how you have germinated seeds, adding a whole new dimension to field work. I will try this too! Have you ever filmed any interspecific behaviour between the fox and pine marten? I have both in my garden regularly and they have a mutual respect for one another. I have even observed them sitting side by side eating peanuts. Lastly, and I appreciated the information is sensitive, but would you mind sharing what county this documentary was filmed in? Thank you from a new subscriber.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi. Appreciate your comment. From what I saw it seemed that Pine Martens and domestic cats had a mutual respect. The cats had the upper hand and the Pine Marten would usually submit after a standoff. It's interesting what you have observed about foxes. I have only ever seen Martens run from foxes. That said one thing that always amazes me about nature is how flexible these rules can be. As with people it can often vary considerably depending on the individuals and circumstances involved. For example, I was surprised to see Pine Martens and Red Squirrels feeding within a few feet of one another. The Red Squirrels were acutely aware of the threat but kept feeding with their escape tree close by. Thanks again for your kind comments.

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

Amazing documentary 👏 thank you for your dedication and love for pine marten I would love to see more of your films

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Kerry. Thanks so much for your kind comment. This is my second film. You can watch my first film here. I hope that you enjoy it 👍: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJDYhGCioK-HbtU

[@johnmartin5906]

What a superb video, Dan. I was alerted to this by Johnny B today. You've covered a lot of ground and describe the biology of the species well. I will be referring interested folks to your fine work!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

John. Thanks very much for the comment. If by Johnny B you mean Dr Johnny Birks then that is great to hear. I read his fantastic book 4 times over the 2 years it took me to make the film (usually leaning against a tree, camera rolling, pine martens playing in the distance!). I have huge respect for him and his book. Knowing that he has watched and enjoyed my film means a great deal to me. Thanks so much. If there's anything I can do to help Pine Martens or if you need to use my film to help with the important work you do then you have my permission to do so. Thanks again. All the best to you both.

[@alyssthomas2771]

excellent work, thank you

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@alyssthomas2771 Thanks Alyss. Kind of you to say.

[@Xyz-r2g1x]

Absolutely brilliant educational video loved it this will help me set my trail cam in kielder forest where pine marten have started to recolonise again

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Tony. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Best of luck with your trail camera. It's great that they're slowly returning.

[@Xyz-r2g1x]

Thank you keep up the good work just came across you I was at kielder last weekend and found a few scat wish I could send the to you for your opinion but I'm pretty sure they are pine marten

[@awoodswalkphotography]

Wonderfully done! As both a wildlife photographer and biologist myself, with working experience with martens, and their close cousins the fisher here in the States, I really appreciate both the variety of perspectives you filmed and your narration/dictation of their behaviors and ecology. Thank you for bringing more attention to these brilliant animals! I'm curious how and with what equipment you filmed this. Did you ever film from a hide, or was this all filmed with trail cameras?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Ben. Really appreciate your kind comment. Thanks. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I filmed it over 2 years. It was a very mixed bag of cameras. I used Bushnell trail cameras, GoPro cameras and Sony A series with telephoto for handheld/tripod shots. I occasionally even used my phone for some of the shots that caught me unprepared. I spent many hours watching and even when the cameras were set and mounted I was often close behind sitting and watching. The trail cameras are the exception. Once set up they did their job without me. One note on GoPro. Go for the 7. Anything more modern will overheat and shut down in the summer after as little as 20 minutes. That's no use for wildlife. You need the full hour and 20 minutes battery life to get the shot you need. Best of luck with your own filming. All the best and thanks again Ben.

[@awoodswalkphotography]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Well, brilliant job bringing it all together! And thank you for the tips. They'll come in handy in the future. I'm currently tracking and trying to photograph and film American martens, in my neck of the woods. So this insight is much appreciated :)

[@martinbyrne6643]

Greetings from Wicklow great documentary on the secret live of the pine marten, and all shot in Galway makes it even better , I really enjoyed this great footage and the excellent narration to complement it , I spent many cold nights last winter trying to get a photograph of these elusive creatures and was finally rewarded at 3 o’clock in the morning with a camera flash set up , to photograph it and see it for the first time in my life I will remember it to my dying days , again thanks for this great insight into this wonderful creature.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Martin. Thanks for the comment and great to read that you got your photo. I know exactly what you mean. I spent many hours waiting through the night to see them for just a few seconds. Well worth the wait though as you say. There's something about encounters with animals that are so wild that is really very special. Moments that stay with you for life.

[@PatrickvanGemert]

What an impressive documentary! My first encounter with a pine marten was also its scat. During a walk I saw a mother with her young and was captivated by their beauty and agility.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Appreciate your comment Patrick. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again.

[@cpgilliam7]

Such an informative documentary! Today I actually seen a young pine marten take down a rabbit that was pretty big! Fascinating to watch. Felt bad for the rabbit happy for the pine marten!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Cynthia. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@sanctuaryforestwildgarden]

I love your observation and the film footage. Learn much. I love to observe the Wild. I personally seen one in our forest home with her babies. They are so adorable. I so agree they don't harm humans. I was so upclose and respected their boundaries and gave space. Mother checked on me twice and soon after sensing I am harmless, moved on with her babies. I love the den house John made. Is there anyway you are able to share how it is made? Would love my husband to make one and put it in our forest home. Thank you! 😊

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks for your comment. Good luck with your den box. Be sure to put it up in a safe place away from roads and people. Yes, you can find the full plans from the VWT here: Constructing, erecting and monitoring Pine Marten Den Boxes www.vwt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PM-Den-Box.pdf

[@sanctuaryforestwildgarden]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Thank you for the link. I take note of your tip. 😄

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

No problem. Also, once it's up you can't disturb it. So it has to be left in peace 👍

[@sanctuaryforestwildgarden]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Noted! Thank you once again!

[@JyttesTrailCamera]

I can't believe this video escaped my attention for so long. SO happy I found it! 😊 What a delightful documentary. In this day and age where most people seem to want 1 minute videos with nonsense or blood and guts, it's a huge relief to know there are still people out there who actually care for wildlife and have the passion to take time to study them. "They charm their way into your heart, and you're hooked" I second that 😄 and "the more time a person spend watching a wild animal, the more intelligent they both become" is a profound truth! Thank you so much for sharing your observations of these wonderful animals! I happen to study the stone marten (also called beech marten), a close cousin. They have a very different 'family life' (by and large monogamous) but very many similarities in their behaviour to the pine. With the stone, I've noticed that they usually 'wiggle' when they mark (be it poo or pee), perhaps it's the same for pine martens?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Jytte. Really pleased that you enjoyed it. It was a great pleasure spending so much time in the woods surrounded by pine martens. I've read about Stone Martens but I've never seen one. Dr Birks covered them in his brilliant book on Pine Martens. All the best.

[@nocs38]

I recently saw a pine marten around my neighbourhood and came back to this channel to see if you had something on them. I was happily surprised :))

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. Glad to hear that they're in your area too. All the best.

[@stuart0604]

Excellent work

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@stuart0604 Thanks Stuart. Kind of you to say.

[@petermatthews3750]

Incredible footage!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Peter

[@james_organ]

Great vid 👏👏

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks James

[@TheRosePancake]

I'm making a fictional story with an animated series involving just about every species of mustelid. If the project reaches enough of a completion point, is it okay if I can use your documentary as a reference for animating? I'll reference your work, of course!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Yes. Please feel free to use it as a reference. Best of luck with your project 👍

[@TheRosePancake]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Thanks!!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

​@@TheRosePancakeNo problem 👍

[@salardis8804]

Great dicumentary. I've learned a lot from it.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Sal

[@tonytony978]

Wow amazing! I love martens, they are all around me since my house is next to forest. Sir this movie and edit is 5 star. I enjoyed every second. I think "wiggle" with tail is defensive mehanism. I have one feral cat, took me around 8 months until she actually allow me to pet her. She wiggle her tail when she eats unless im near her then she put tail on me so she feel safe. Its about being vunerable while doing poop or eat so i believe its what they do being under constant alert of treat. Thank you very much once again on this masterpiece video

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Tony. Really appreciate your kind words. All the best with your feral cat.

[@nobodysomeday]

Thank you for this documentary 😊 Pine Martens are very interesting animals. I live in the Netherlands and we have a cabin at the edge of the forest. A few weeks ago a pine marten found out we have peanuts in a squirrel 🐿️ box in one of our trees. Every evening or night (sometime more than once) she comes by to eat them and sometime she brings her 3 kids too. When they come with her they stay at a distance and scream 😍

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks for your comment. Your home sounds amazing. Enjoy the Pine Martens 👍

[@nobodysomeday]

Thank you, it is 😀 I haven’t seen her kids anymore, but she comes back almost every night. Now I’m putting only two peanuts 🥜 into the squirrel feeding station when we’re staying at our cottage. Otherwise she’s eating too much of them I’m afraid. I’ve uploaded some short video’s at my channel 😀

[@swissschoolofyoga]

Thank you 😊I live on the mountain and I have one coming to my balcony every night, he likes cat food that I keep there. I don’t mind. He is surprisingly very loud , sometimes even talking! And he likes looking into my window. My bed is right beside the window so we look at each other if I wake up at night 😃 such a cute being

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Svetlana. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Appreciate it. Glad you're enjoying your local martens. Mine also enjoy raw eggs and cooked sausages 👌

[@swissschoolofyoga]

Ah, eggs and sausages, thank you for the good idea. I just watched the video again and wanted to add that it’s incredibly filmed, it must have been very challenging, just a couple of minutes and much waiting. So heartbreaking what humans do to nature. I will definitely protect and care of my marten and birds and other animals that I meet here. 🙏

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@swissschoolofyoga Thanks. That's very kind of you 👍

[@swissschoolofyoga]

Plot twist 😃 my marten has made a whole underneath my house. He comes up on my balcony for food at night. Apparently he thought it’s a great idea and very convenient. However my two cats chase him a lot. They are really vicious and can hunt down a mammoth without blinking. I just wanted to share with you. Hope they all will learn to live together in peace. Hopefully…

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@swissschoolofyoga 😆 Yeah. Home is where the food is! Hopefully your cats will get used to their new neighbour.

[@chriswillett6753]

I just subscribed. Wonderful amazing spectacular documentary. Thank you so much for your resilience and perseverance in producing this brilliant informative project. As resilient as The Pine Marten. Blessings 🙏🏽

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Chris. Welcome. Really appreciate your kind words and glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@chriswillett6753]

@handmadewildlifefilms My pleasure brother. Thoroughly enjoyed this work of knowledge of the natural world 🌎

[@six66red14]

Excellent reportage ,Merci

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Merci pour votre commentaire. Heureux que cela vous ait plu.

[@marcusharrigan6879]

I saw my first and only pine martens near the now removed Marcy Dam in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks in New York State. One was in a lone tree surrounded by snow, so I was able to observe fairly close up given that it was "treed". The other was further away and displayed its playful movements. What a treat.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Sounds like a mother and her kit Marcus.

[@bertiepearce123]

Fantastic. Thanks so much !

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Appreciate your comment. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks Bertie.

[@roseharvey3579]

Thank you for a very interesting video. I live in Scotland and currently have a Pine Marten that eats out of the squirrel feeder and lives in the loft of my cottage. She has babies; I can hear them in the wall and loft. 😊

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Rose. That's awesome! What an amazing experience. Great to hear from people who embrace and enjoy nature instead of trying to remove it. I expect you'll be seeing some great behavior over the next few weeks. My Pine Martens are also enjoying nuts from the squirrel feeders here. I hope that you make the most of your house guests for the short period of time they'll be with you. And thanks for your kind comments about my film. All the best 👍

[@roseharvey3579]

I hope I'll get to see the babies sometime, keeping everything crossed for that. Thanks again for all the information in your video. Look forward to your next one and if you've already done one, send me a link please. All the best. Rose

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Rose. I hope you do too. Please let me know. Thanks. I have 3 films already completed on the channel (you can see them on my channel. I also have a 4th film researched and filmed. I'm just finishing editing. It's taken longer than usual because I've been working on my Pine Marten book too - Pine Marten: The Secret Life of Martes martes (Pelagic Monographs) amzn.eu/d/cq2Cora

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

​@@roseharvey3579 My Herring Gull film is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJDYhGCioK-HbtUsi=Mu2xuu1v1VYbxVy7

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

​@@roseharvey3579 My Red Squirrel film is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2q0lqtmqbCgoZosi=1cHq_w512vlYiiRq

[@h0yj0y]

thank you for this! very moving

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Szanlocy. Appreciate your comment. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheTVTW]

Well done Dan . Hugely important filmmaking .

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Tony. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@chrisjackman9102]

I love martens and all mustelids. Beautiful work

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Appreciate that Chris

[@chrisjackman9102]

@@handmadewildlifefilms was this filmed in Scotland? Obviously no specific area to protect them but I’m curious 🥰

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@chrisjackman9102 It was all filmed in County Galway, Ireland

[@chrisjackman9102]

@@handmadewildlifefilms never been to Ireland, I’m from wales! Looks beautiful

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@chrisjackman9102 Wales is great too. I've spent a lot of time in Wales myself.

[@Highland_Moo]

They’re pretty cheeky up here in the NW highlands and will casually wander about our village and strut about.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@Highland_Moo 😆

[@godtheanimal]

This documentary was 🔥🔥

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Daniel. Really appreciate your comment 👍

[@KermRiv]

Awesome footage

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Appreciate that. Thanks for your comment 👍

[@ustedvende]

Such an amaging piece of professional work! To me it seems you are getting one of the most practical pine marten experts in the world trough researching and following their behavior by filming. There are very few people who knows rarely anything about the daily life and routines of pine martens. I'm nature guide and specifically interested in the life of pine martens. I would love to make you a bunch of questions since I cannot find anyone else who knows anything about them.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Paulus. Glad you enjoyed it. Although I have a science degree I've never studied Pine Martens scientifically. The source of my knowledge is experience and observation. There are people who do study Pine Martens and they will know much more than I do. I would highly recommend that you read Dr Johnny Birks brilliant book. You will find it on Amazon. That said I've really enjoyed observing them over the last few years and I will happily answer any questions you have. Just send them in the comments here and I will do my best to help you based on what I've observed. Thanks again for your kind comments.

[@ustedvende]

@@handmadewildlifefilms oh great! Sometimes simply by observing you focus on certain things that you do not while concentrating in scientific research. While I will definitely look for Johnny's book and most likely trying to contact him. My questions are: 1. How can you track down pine martens? (What should you look for and where if there is no snow?) For example, do they leave nail tracks / traces on tree trunks when climbing? Where do they poo and if you don't know whether there are pine martens, where should you start to look for traces from their existence? (In winter when there is snow it is easy but what about summer?) 2. Is there any other way than their traces to tell whether an area is most likely habited by pine martens? 3. What kind of places pine martens visit during their overnight hunting trips? How big changes to their route they make between the nights? Are there any example night trips routes in any map picture? (I would love to see an analysis of their hunting route) 4. How do they find new places or new sources of food? What activities do they do to find new sources? 5. If they ever catch birds, how do they manage to catch birds? Do they look for sleeping birds in night by odor? 5. Do pine martens have any special behavior if we compare their behavior to other predators like lynx, fox, wolf or others? 6. What can a sleeping squirrel do to avoid being hunted down by a pine marten? 7. Do pine martens avoid human settlement? If they do, why do you think they do? (For example, squirrel do not avoid human settlement.) 8. I have heard pine martens may move from tree to tree to avoid other predators (wolves, dogs, lynx etc) from hunting them down by traces. Do they learn this hard way, from parents or is it genetic skill? 9. What do you think is pine marten strategy to survive? How they manage to do so well against the competition of food with other species?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Paulus. I will answer each question separately. 1 - Yes. The scats are often the first thing you will see. Although there are other signs that can be used to track them (see below). Scats are deposited frequently and in obvious places and so if you spend any amount of time in a Pine Marten area you will come across the scats. The Pine Martens want their scats to be seen as they use them for communication to advertise themselves when ready to mate and to warn others of their presence and territory. They are deposited in 3 locations mainly. Most often they are deposited along natural (or man made) paths. Typically around the edges of their territory but also along any obvious paths within their territory. Scats are also left in food rich areas and used to claim the area. Finally, scats are left on high places. Generally tree stumps or on the tops of fallen logs. These high locations probably help the scent to carry in the air and make the scats more visible to others.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

2 - As well as scats Pine Martens generally follow the same routes and so will leave 'tunnels' in hedges. Their claw marks are distinctive and can easily be seen on trees that are climbed regularly along a commonly used route. It is difficult to find claw tracks on trees that are only rarely climbed but you will see them when you know what to look for. Like with all animal tracking you will initially be completely oblivious to what later becomes so obvious. Once you know what to look for you start to see it regularly. In grass you will often see tracks along regularly used routes where the Martens have passed through. Again once you know what to look for these are obvious. As you say, in the snow things are much easier but you will find paw tracks on the edges of muddy areas by drinking locations or partially dried out puddles. Most Pine Martens will jump over wet areas as they like to keep their feet dry so you won't find that many prints. Disgarded kills are hard to identify and I haven't managed to find a way to tell if it was a fox, cat or Marten.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

3 & 4 - Pine Martens roam over a wide area and the size of the territory is directly related to the quality and quantity of food in the area. If food is plentiful then territories can be small. But they can be much larger in areas with fewer food resources. Pine Martens will spend most of their time on the move but will spend more time in areas that have proved fruitful previously. They have regular short naps and so will be active for a few hours and then sleep for a few hours. They don't sleep in the same location instead they move regularly between safe sleeping locations (these can be in the trees or on the ground - even underground in old burrows).

[@davidc.9933]

Amazing. You could never know how much tgis helos, just little old me.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Great to hear. Thanks David 👍

[@lawlessoreena]

Well done Dan Bagur, and thank you so much for sharing this work with the public. If you are not already a professional wildflife film-maker, you should consider it. If you are, this beautiful film should help generate more work for you. There's so much information here that I have newly learned from you, and your delivery style is confidently spare. (Great music choice too by the way!).

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Oreena. Thanks for your comment. It took 2 years to film and 6 weeks to edit. So it means a lot to me to hear from people who enjoyed it. No I'm not a professional film maker. This is my second film. The first one is 'Life In The Colony' (also on my channel). I love being out in nature and trying to capture the moment. I had to work around a full time job. Pine Martens prefer the early mornings and evenings anyway so luckily there's usually not much happening between 9-5! Making wildlife films would be an amazing job. All the best and thanks again.

[@sveezyx]

Nice, a large database of information about marten's life.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Sveezy. Appreciate your comment 👍

[@BRaff-hl4ip]

Maybe the 'wiggle' activates a scent gland for marking their territory. This is an extraordinary piece of wildlife documentation.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. Appreciate your comment. Yes, also perhaps it spreads the urine over a wider area increasing the distribution of the scent.

[@evilnewt]

Absolutely wonderful 🖤

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Abigail. Appreciate the comment.

[@danieladam9085]

Very nice documentary. I once (maybe twice) saw a pine marten. It's really a very beautiful animal. As a wildlife photographer I really want to photograph some pine martens, WITHOUT DISTURB THEM. It won't be easy, but I really hope this project will succeed. Do you have any tips to find pine martens?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Daniël. Thanks for your comment. Yes my advice is to follow the scats. They're the best evidence. Best of luck with it 👍

[@Ronny.81]

Excellent documentary👍I'd like to see how the pine marten box is made tho.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Here are the instructions for the natal box: www.vincentwildlife.ie/downloads/constructing-erecting-and-monitoring-pine-marten-den-boxes

[@OutdoorPeter]

Another great film! You must have put loads of time and effort in getting them on camera so extensively. Great job and very well put together! If I may ask, what (trail) camera's are you using to capture the video's? And are you planning on making another documentary on another species such as you did on the pine marten and the red squirrel? Take care! Peter

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Peter. Thanks for the comments. I usually use Bushnell or Browning. They're the best in my experience. Also the lights don't disturb wildlife. I also use the Sony A7iv camera with a long lens to get close from a distance. Yes, I've finished filming the next film and I'm halfway through filming the one after that. As you said though the editing process takes several weeks to complete. I like to keep the subject hidden until the release just incase there's a problem. Thanks for watching.

[@OutdoorPeter]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Thanks! I've got very good experiences with the Brownings myself. I use the HP4 and the HP5 ones and I really like the quality of the videos. Anyway, I'm really curious what they're about and I look forward to your next documentaries! Good luck!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

What do you use yours for? Do you post them on KZbin?

[@OutdoorPeter]

@@handmadewildlifefilms I use them for monitoring pine martens, beavers and otters in the Netherlands. I don't post on KZbin, but I do occasionally post a video on Instagram. OutdoorPeter if you're interested ;)

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@OutdoorPeter I just had a look. I don't use Instagram much. Following your channel now. That's a high quality trail camera. Always interesting to see what's going on with the wildlife in other countries. Anyway, I'm off into the woods with my camera now. All the best 👍

[@PhilBearz]

Hi, I have an inquiry about using some this footage in my work, how can I contact you?

[@seadrifter8975]

Great video . I leave out nuts in winter for them there fast and deadly good for vermin a good friend

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Thanks

[@lisa89]

There are such good shots of pine martens in this documentary. Which area was this filmed in?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Lisa. Thanks. It took me 2 years to get the footage. It was filmed in the woods in County Galway, Ireland.

[@NOMADCREATIVESOLUTIONS]

I think the wiggle will help spread their scent over a bigger area, they could be scent marking when wiggling without weeing

[@peterkilleen5693]

Fantastic,thank you

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Peter. Thanks so much for the kind comment.

[@robertorzech8922]

I've got a pine martin living in my house and every second day he lets out a double chatter which scares the hell out of me and makes my Jack Russel go crazy for a couple hours ! I'm going to set up a trail cam in the kitchen. he seems to hang out under my gas range , That's where the jack russel follows his nose to but there is a million places to hide in here and lots of food like cat food and dog food. I don't mind it being here he'll be gone by spring. The floor is heated concrete so it's all warm everywhere . Snakes love the warm floor but stay hidden, i find snake skins in the bathroom . I've had weasel running around in here but they usually leave in a day or two !

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Robert. Best of luck setting up your camera. I hope you get to see what's going on. Foxes try to sleep on airport lights for the same reason. We all seek warmth in winter.

[@niamhino]

wonderful and fascinating!

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Niamh. Really appreciate your comment.

[@tuathaigh-aa]

My grandmother's house sometimes has pine martens that climb up the cherry tree looking for birds. And I used to have two ferrets.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Murph

[@hutchingsbeeservice]

Thanks for a great documentary. Here in BC, Canada, I live in a remote area that is thick with pine martens. Our 27 acres is surrounded by miles of crown land. We have them regularly climb all over our log home and of course, come up to our doors and windows. Unfortunately, I had a roast chicken out on the deck in the winter where it was frozen saving me putting it in the fridge or whatever, and a pine marten came and clean me out leaving me only the stock which I still made a soup from. Thing is, this guy or maybe a female, keeps coming back. It has now become so accustomed to me that it hardly flinches when I go outside to retrieve my beer or wine I have cooling out the back door. I'd like to know if this is normal and also, if I was to build a nesting box and put up top where our dormer overhang is, do you think this advisable and would it take up residence? I was also wondering how noisy they would be as it would be on the very wall where our bed is situated. If you'd like to discuss elsewhere privately, I can provide my email and we could correspond directly as I have many more details and questions. Thanks for switching me onto having more of an interest in these tough little creatures. The tracks in the snow around our off-grid homestead is highly evident of a thriving number of them. We have plenty of feed around including snow shoe hares, red squirrels, voles and mice. I can send you photos and videos I've taken if you're interested. I'm noticing the bib pattern for sure. We'd have to exchange email addresses of course. Cheers, Gord. Meadow Creek, B.C.

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Gord. Sounds great. Send over your email and we'll have a chat 👍

[@hutchingsbeeservice]

@@handmadewildlifefilms I keep trying to attach my email but it deletes it. I'll have to do it in different segments. Here it is again. moodyblue2015

[@hutchingsbeeservice]

@@handmadewildlifefilms at gee

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

@@hutchingsbeeservice We can just chat on here if it's easier. What is it you'd like to know?

[@hutchingsbeeservice]

@@handmadewildlifefilms Sure, but I have videos and photos of at least two pine martens that I'm getting really close to. I've built a nesting box and I'd like to know more about that. I put it on the side of my house and I've had at least one check it out twice now. I'm thinking I have two that might be battling for territory based only on the behavioural differences which I'd have to go into lots more detail, hence my not wanting to take up space on here. I also don't want to divulge some of the details of what's going on here at my place.

[@grahamtomkins3467]

How do you build a box for them

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Hi Graham. Here is a link from the VWT: www.vincentwildlife.ie/downloads/constructing-erecting-and-monitoring-pine-marten-den-boxes

[@grahamtomkins3467]

Thank you for quick reply

[@indyreno2933]

Ictonychidae (Zorillas, African Striped Weasel, Marbled Polecat, Patagonian Weasel, Grisons, Wolverine, Tayra, Martens, and Fisher) vs Eupleridae (Malagasy Carnivorans) which one of these carnivoran families would win?

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Ha! My money would be on the Wolverine!

[@philipashley1517]

Great video,,I do a lot of bird watching in North Wales,,,around Trawsfynydd area in particular,,will keep an extra eye out for one,,👍👍😃

[@handmadewildlifefilms]

Thanks Philip. Appreciate your comment. I hope you find one up there soon.