These numbers are pretty mind-numbing. I haven't seen one for years, that changed on my recent visit to Rainham Marshes RSPB. This site has one of the highest densities of Water Voles in the country, giving an excellent chance to see one of these furry critters. Chris and I had close encounters with two of these little beasties and when I say close, I mean down to four feet.
This little chap was pretty nonchalant when it came to humans, he just wasn't that bothered. A few people stood, knelt and even lay on the board-walk and he just carried on munching away.
In this video, if you listen very carefully you can hear him nibbling away!
Views like these are to be cherished for if we are not careful, we will be left with memories and not a lot else.
Adorable, I am very fond of these beautiful little creatures.
ReplyDeleteThey are extremely adorable, dare I say 'cute'!?
DeleteJ
There is a small number living on the River Dove, near Ashford and Bakewell. We see them when out walking the Bobbin Mill walk.
ReplyDeleteThey are too, too rare.
Hi Charlotte,
DeleteYou are lucky to have any number given there plight! They are scarce everywhere. :(
J
Lovely images of this super little resident species
ReplyDeleteJohn. Those brainless idiots that released Mink into our country have a lot to answer for.
Thanks Roy,
DeleteI don't have a comment about the individuals that did this Roy, but if I did, it wouldn't be printable!
J
Hi John, I've had similar encounters with these wonderful animals at Arundel next to the castle. Again, they easily observed at close quarters and not in the least shy of human activity.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike,
DeleteIt amazed myself and Chris thatt you could get so close to them. I don't think their eyesight is that great!?
J
Sad to say I've never had the pleasure of seeing these delightful animals John. Those videos were special.
ReplyDeleteHi Keith,
DeleteThank you. You want to get yourself to Rainham, you will get good views there. As I said in the post, I hadn't seen one for many a long year, but that certainly changed last weekend.
J
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, we do not want those beautiful creatures to be an archived video memory. Thank you, John.
In peace and hope, Gary
Hi Gary,
DeleteHopefully, with the work various wildlife charities are doing to try and protect this animal, it will make a comeback. Fingers crossed.
Thanks Gary,
J
That sure is a sweet little one...love how he moves through the water! Sad to hear they have had such a drastic decline.
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy,
DeleteThe loss in numbers of this animal is horrifying, mostly due again to the hand of Man.
J
Used to see them regularly when I was a lad. They used to just sit munching away on the opposite bank when my friends were fishing. I'm told they're on the little stream that runs through our village but I still haven't spotted one there.
ReplyDeleteI, too used to see them when I used to fish as a youngster. The 'plop' of the water as they entered the river. A sound I hadn't heard for years until the other day.
DeleteJ
Love it, that Water Vole chewing a leaf.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob, a rare treat!
DeleteJ
Hi John. I believe there are Water Voles at Roding Valley nature reserve but I have never been able to see one. Are they also prey to Otters who are rising in numbers now?
ReplyDeleteYou were lucky to see such a tame and co-operative little chap!
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Hi Bazza,
DeleteI have just looked that reserve up, looks a nice place and there have been reports of Water Voles at a place called 'Andrews pond' there, so you never know!
They are prey to Otters, they are prey to a lot of things, but Mink is a 'foreign' species that has decimated the population of a lot of water animals and birds, they just shouldn't be here.
J