[wmtlynx]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmtlynx...n/photostream/ Apologies for it being completely out of focus, but wondered what this little creature may be? It was plump and round, tennis-ball size with a thin tail around an inch long. I've ruled out rat as it was far too "short", like a ball with eyes and ears on the front. Thought it a bit big for a mouse, though. Habitat was on the banks of the Stratford on Avon Canal near to Earlswood, where the canal is in a cutting with banks either side and fields beyond.

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the dreadful shot!
Steve

[Farnboro John]

Originally Posted by wmtlynx

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmtlynx...n/photostream/ Apologies for it being completely out of focus, but wondered what this little creature may be? It was plump and round, tennis-ball size with a thin tail around an inch long. I've ruled out rat as it was far too "short", like a ball with eyes and ears on the front. Thought it a bit big for a mouse, though. Habitat was on the banks of the Stratford on Avon Canal near to Earlswood, where the canal is in a cutting with banks either side and fields beyond.

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the dreadful shot!
Steve

As to the shot, you might want to try using the centre focus spot only, which might help with shooting between twigs etc - I can see it wasn't the easiest of pictures to take!

IMHO its a Bank Vole, reddish back and whitish underparts but a blunt looking head and a small eye. Your description of a short tail also suggests a vole.

John

[skink1978]

Agree with John - Bank Vole.