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Monday, 18 January 2021

Ratty the water vole

Some years ago I was out walking with my camera when I came to a small stream. I noticed a little movement in the water and saw to my surprise a creature swimming. I realised I has spotted my first water vole. I kept perfectly still and it it carried on feeding and totally ignored me.
I watched it for a good ten minutes while it went about its business of feeding.
It swam up and down as though it was showing off.
In the end it came and sat on the grass not more than a couple of metres away and watched me.

I have had some strange experiences with wild animals but I think this one takes the biscuit. I went back several times over the following years but never saw it again.

 

 

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16 comments:

  1. Marc Heath18 January 2021 at 07:56

    What a special moment Mike. A lovely set of photos. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood18 January 2021 at 23:47

      Thanks Marc,
      I've had a lot of 'special moments' with wildlife
      but this one was a little special. Stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  2. Breathtaking18 January 2021 at 14:45

    Hello Mike, This chance encounter was very special indeed. I'm glad he didn't seem afraid of you, and you were able to get these lovely shots.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood18 January 2021 at 23:51

      Hello Sonjia,
      Animals that do this are trusting, so I am delighted to be trusted by a wild animal. Take care and stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  3. Lasse18 January 2021 at 14:54

    The best things in nature often happens when you don't expect it. Lovely moments here Mike, and you did it well !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood18 January 2021 at 23:55

      I learnt this many years ago and I always go out prepared with my camera ready for the unexpected. Thankyou Lasse, take care.
      Mike.

      Delete
  4. waldlaeufer68 Frank Scholtyssek19 January 2021 at 20:23

    Hi Mike
    nature always has a surprise ready such moments can come more often, water mouse .. never seen or heard of .. ;-)
    Greetings Frank

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood19 January 2021 at 21:17

      You are joking Frank, Its a water rat, a lovely little rodent. A star in childrens stories and a great favourite of mine.
      Stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  5. Titus John White19 January 2021 at 20:42

    Hi Mike,
    They are such delightful little creatures that you managed to get some wonderful images from during these moments with nature.
    Keep safe and well.
    John

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mike Attwood19 January 2021 at 21:19

    If only I could find them again I could spend all day watching them.
    Stay safe,
    Mike.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Richard Pegler22 January 2021 at 10:36

    Chance encounters like this produce wonderful memories that stick with you forever, Mike.

    I'm lucky enough to have had quite a few sightings of Water Vole at Rutland Water, where they have had a very successful reintroduction programme. I have also had a couple of sightings on a canal close to my home, but never managed to get as beautiful images as those you show here. Fabulous!!

    Delighted to hear you've had your full two jabs. Stay safe - - - Richard

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood22 January 2021 at 23:52

      Thankyou Richard,
      As you are aware I always go out prepared for such events. The good news is that Jacque my good lady will also have her jab next week. Stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  8. Phil Slade22 January 2021 at 10:44

    I think you were incredibly lucky to see that Mike. You didn't waste the opportunity though. Those are superb pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood22 January 2021 at 23:57

      Thankyou Phil,
      As I told Richard I always go out prepared and it often pays off. Stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  9. Ana Mínguez Corella28 January 2021 at 09:03

    Mike Madrid is very cold in winter and spring and hot in summer... The best time for me is later summer and Autumn... I love the the ratty the water... Cheers 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood1 February 2021 at 15:20

      Sorry Ana,
      Missed this post, I never realised you had a winter like me. Glad you like the water vole. Stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete

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Mike Attwood - Photographer

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About Me

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Evacuated during the second world war to a village in Yorkshire where I lived in the home of a good photographer for more than five years who taught me the basics and a great deal about nature. Well past retirement age I have been a wildlife photographer for more than 30 years. Red Kites have been my speciality for much of this period. I did spend several years snapping wheelchair athletes and organizing the British Road Race Championship. In the year 2000 I was awarded a distinction by the Royal Photographic Society for my portfolio on wheelchair athletes. Most of my pics are digital, using Sony cameras and Sigma lenses. I used to spend many weeks each year with friends in Wales which is close to the Elan Valleys where I got many of my raptor pics. I now get these pictures more closely to home, specially red kites and peregrines. I support my pension by selling my pics, cards, coasters, fridge magnets and key rings etc. at craft fairs, something I wish I had done much earlier in life. I give illustrated talks to clubs and societies on wildlife and other branches of photography that I have been involved in.