Inspired by Kate's success in finding water vole feeding signs and latrines (http://staggsbrook.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-voles-grow-wings.html) and the nice weather this morning, I took the opportunity of a walk to work to look for evidence of water voles on the lower ock near ladygrove field and was pleased to see what seems like signs of feeding:
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Then to prove these are feeding signs, a water vole appeared:
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It's always pleasing to see that these small creatures have survived what has been a harsh winter.
Great to see them back!
ReplyDeleteMartin Gulliver
Let's hope they're breeding. If they are, when would you expect to see babies? I suppose it's a bit early at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteHi Martin,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you back as well. It always amazes me how they cope with the flooding and the adverse weather.
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI would expect them to be breeding soon - as the breeding season usually runs from March to September.
As gestation takes about 30 days and then weened 14 days later - so we could have baby water voles by early April. I'll let you know if I see any.
Aw, lovely. That photo really shows the texture of the thick fur.
ReplyDelete