Small Rodents....

As you may have seen earlier, we have a small mammal table near our bird feeders where we feed at least 2 Bank Voles and 2 Wood Mice. Tonight I have just been watching two of each getting stuck in...

I had to crank up the iso on the camera as the light is going  but you can see the visitors. The Wood Mice fed on the top level approximately 12 inches above the lower log frequented by the Bank Voles...In fact the scene is pretty much like looking at both of these photos like this -

Infested...

Looking from the kitchen window this evening at dusk, 2 Bank Voles and a juv Wood Mouse fed together, right out in the open, often jumping around each other, below our bird table. Watching this scene had me thinking that many people would have been on to the council by now...

 I say the Wood Mouse was a juv as it was physically smaller than the voles, which the adults are not. Weather permitting tomorrow, I'll try and get a photo. I'll need to time it so the light is ok but the birds are going off to roost so they dont frighten my rodent residents...

Our mate....

Meet 'Vince'. This is a Bank Vole that lives in some logs along our drive. I posted a picture of him a while ago, but the sun was shining today so I couldn't resist another go. Scatter a bit of seed or some apple and he is there within 5 minutes. About 5 feet away, a Wood Mouse lives below the bird table, but its much more secretive and tends to come out at dusk. I'll try and get some pics one of these days.

While waiting for the vole, this Dunnock was an opportunity not to be missed, albeit only for one shot.

In like a Lamb...

Early Grey

Last night was the first Friday for the Garden Moth Scheme Survey, that is held every Friday until November. As it was clear and frosty, I expected to draw a blank, but a single Early Grey was a pleasant surprise. I saw one or two geometers in the light too maybe Dotted Border but they'll wait for another day.

Our village Tawny Owls were very vocal last night. It sounded like two pairs squabbling in a row of pines in a neighbours garden. one of the calls was like the bubbling of a Black Grouse. I cant say I've heard it before...

Today is nice and sunny, warm in shelter, with a cool breeze. Not at all like the storms that are supposed to introduce March.

Bank Vole

Out near the bird table, a Bank Vole has taken up residence in the wall. A scattering of seed gets him out for a snack...and of course the local Robins are never far away. A pair are investigating the ivy behind the wall, so I'll be keeping a look out for nesting.

Robin

Oh and while in the garden this morning my first bumblebee of the year rocketed past and away over the back field...