We have been quite a bit of stick in recent weeks about the Brown Rats around the bird feeders in the woodland but they have always actually been there. By clearing the area to create a more bird friendly feeding area we have simply 'allowed' them to become more visible and they have become a by-product of the success of the project to attract more finches and buntings to the area.
Up to fifteen Reed Buntings at a time were seen during the winter months and even now there are many dropping in for a snack which they share with the four furry friends. There is no conflict and as there are no huge heaps of food down there, the rodents are simply clearing up that missed by the birds.
And why do people go 'Urrgggghhhh! Vermin!' at the sight of a spick and span pink-footed Rat feeding out on the marsh but go 'Aaaahhhhh! Isn't he cute!' at an equally robust Water Vole happily muching on reed stem with his equally long tail and whiffly nose??
Oh well.... I like them....
Enjoy!
(Basil Thornton)
(Barry Jackson)
4-4-12
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer