grey wagtail

April 1st and the Benefits of Pollen

About this time of year, water voles enjoy catkins laden with pollen; I think this is for the protein they offer. This vole at the bottom seems to have a particularly dense and fuzzy coat suggesting it's in good condition and ready for breeding.

Sightings coming slowly

Vernal Equinox

 Finally, frogspawn!

Below: some subtle signs of water vole presence at the Timber Yard.

 Below: lots of burrows at Edward German Drive an unusually long way away from the water course.

Small Adult

This vole is eating spiny bramble stalks, apparently without any difficulty.

For Anne

Today this blog remembers the very wonderful Anne Monie and all she did for voles, and all the kind and generous things she did for the community. Very much missed.