Monday 4 June 2012

More on Habitat



Lots of Edgeley Road voles tonight. At least five, plus a water shrew


A water vole trackway, off Edgeley Road.


Water vole feeding station (also Edgeley Road)


I include this photo of a brook near Coton because at first glance it looks as if it would be ideal for water voles. The water's clear, not too fast-moving, the banks are soft and there's plenty of vegetation for hiding and food. But a closer look at the bottom will tell you it's no go - bare stony shingle covers the stream bed, and w-vs require silt or mud they can kick up to hide from predators when startled. Clear water makes them just too vulnerable.

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