Bank or Field Vole (1 Viewer)

K

kelynrowan

New member

• Apr 8, 2018

• #1

Hello, I have been setting out Longworth traps as part of my dissertation where I'm comparing the mammals found in traps to those found in barn owl pellets. In the traps I have found countless wood mice, a house mouse and three voles. At first I thought that all three were field voles but now I'm not so sure. Could anyone help me identify the three voles in the pictures, thanks.
They were captured in North Wales, UK.

 

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Farnboro John

Well-known member

• Apr 8, 2018

• #2

I'm going to go for them all being Field Voles despite the length of tail on the third one. All show reduced size hairy ears, and just look Field Voley in a way I can't put my finger on.

John

 

K

kelynrowan

New member

• Apr 8, 2018

• #3

I've only found field voles in the barn owl pellets. The owl hunts in the same field so I guess it would make sense the ones in the traps being field voles as well. Thank you for your help.

 

Mike Richardson

Formerly known as Skink1978

• Apr 8, 2018

• #4

For what it's worth I agree with Field Vole for the same reasons as John

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Apr 8, 2018

• #5

My backyard is full of them but I refuse to use an insecticide to kill what they eat so I guess I'm stuck with them.

 

Troubador

Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Apr 9, 2018

• #6

The Bank Voles we have seen have all had much warmer coloured fur. I am sure these are all Field Voles.

Lee

 

Troubador

Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Apr 9, 2018

• #7

KC Foggin said:

My backyard is full of them but I refuse to use an insecticide to kill what they eat so I guess I'm stuck with them.

Click to expand...

KC

Our Field Voles eat roots and leaves, do yours really eat insects?
If they do then well done you for not depriving them of their food. And aren't you lucky to have such fascinating critters in your backyard?

Some folks get upset in the presence of rodents because they 'carry diseases' but while there are good reasons for not inviting rats to dinner, it is a helpful perspective to remember humans carry many diseases too, its why we wash our hands after visiting the toilet.

If I am getting preachy here (I do sometimes) just give me a slap next time we meet :-O

Lee

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Apr 9, 2018

• #8

Lee, here in South Carolina they mostly eat insects, especially grasshoppers, beetles, crickets.

Don't get me wrong, I hate rodents. As other birds eat these insects as well, I do not want to put them in any danger.

 

Farnboro John

Well-known member

• Apr 9, 2018

• #9

KC Foggin said:

Don't get me wrong, I hate rodents.

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Nothing wrong with rodents, outside one's house. Owls and Kestrels have to eat.....

John

 

Troubador

Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Apr 10, 2018

• #10

KC Foggin said:

Lee, here in South Carolina they mostly eat insects, especially grasshoppers, beetles, crickets.

Don't get me wrong, I hate rodents. As other birds eat these insects as well, I do not want to put them in any danger.

Click to expand...

Well thats a shame KC as they are fascinating creatures and I am sure if you ever got to see our Water Vole swimming along and looking like one of those Russian fur hats swimming then it would make you smile.

Lee

 

K

kelynrowan

New member

• Apr 11, 2018

• #11

Hello, thank you all for your help. I caught another vole today. Is this one a Bank vole? I'm just thinking that its ears and fur colour look more like a bank vole. Thanks

 

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T

Timbirder3

Well-known member

• Apr 11, 2018

• #12

Bigger ears, redder fur, longer tail. That is indeed a Bank Vole
Tim

 

K

kelynrowan

New member

• Apr 11, 2018

• #13

Thank you