Reed cutter? (1 Viewer)

[Jon Turner]

I warden a small reserve in North Devon, which has a small pond/lake partly surrounded by trees (mostly Willow) and Phragmites reeds. I have been taking some of the trees out recently to let more light into the pond, and to encourage more reed growth. So I was a bit taken aback this last week or so to find LOTS of the emerging reed tops had been severed and just left floating on the surface of the water. Pic attached. Any idea what might be doing this - I'd like to have words with them!!!!

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Swannery Steve]

Water Voles are fond of reed shoots but they cause extremely limited damage in our beds and usually consume most of any they sever. Not come across any other mammal or bird that does this, even the swans!

Steve.

 

[honeym]

Hi Jon
It doesn't really look like Water Vole damage. They are usually neat and cut through the stems cleanly, usually at an angle.
Martin

 

[Jon Turner]

Thanks for that - I've got Canada Geese breeding, Moorhens and Little Grebes will when the reed cover improves, an occasional Badger gets in, maybe an Otter. Never seen any small water-bound rodents. Could it be Brown Rats? The local Tawny Owls help to reduce their population!

 

[Nutcracker]

Humans?

 

[Jon Turner]

Humans?

IT's only me gets in there!

 

[dantheman]

Deer, extra-tall rabbits, birds perhaps trying to get to the pith/insects therein?

Beavers?

 

[Jon Turner]

Deer, extra-tall rabbits, birds perhaps trying to get to the pith/insects therein?

Beavers?

Thanks a bunch Dan!:-C

 

[dantheman]

Ah, missed the point about it being emergent (ie just above water level?) Assuming no Nutria or other oddities, not waterbirds (Moorhen etc?) using for nesting material? Someone out there presumably would know ...