Wednesday, 28 March 2018

Otmoor rspb.

Mystery swimmer.

Any suggestions? The two photos taken on different occasions of this vole that has been seen to swim long distances.  Water Vole is obvious candidate but some features are suspect.







6 comments:

  1. Interesting idea Steve. But the thing is, they are both pictures of the same creature, taken on different occasions.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What would you estimate the body length as, Terry? Any tail?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Size estimation difficult under observed conditions. seemed larger on first sighting,(second photo) approx. water vole size. Appeared smaller on second viewing. Has a tail, but didn't see full length.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would suggest both are water vole. Top one appears more waterlogged, so the darker underfur is showing giving the fur overall a mottled appearance. Bottom one looks more typically water vole. Just out of interest, how can you be certain both are the same animal?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Three observations of the vole swimming up to 10 metres from different locations to same hole at waters edge. Of course the photos could be of a pair? On one occasion it was seen to dive on approach to the bank.

    ReplyDelete