One of our national newspapers is leading with a story about ‘Giant Mutant Rats’ heading for the UK. Nonsense of course (as are most tabloid wildlife scare stories), but it’s a timely hook to post some photos taken today of our local non-mutant and modestly small Falmer Pond rats. They really can be rather cute, though the setting helps (a lot).
I was actually tracking a flighty little wren which I’ve seen several time recently when I saw the rat. Today was the first time the wren had paused long enough for a photo and just after I took this shot the rat emerged from under the overhanging bank of the pond.
It scampered in the undergrowth around the edge of the pond, mainly keeping out of sight, but not entirely.
Then back down to the edge of the water, keeping away from the local dog-walkers.
Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
dW
28 Mar 2014They’re cute little blighters, aren’t they?
The wren is nice … I’ve always had trouble with them, too … they’re so active, even when they’re sitting still.
Words
29 Mar 2014dW, I’ve so many rat photos now I scarcely know what to do with them, but they are great fun to watch. Wrens are tricky little things. Considering they are our commonest breeding bird it’s surprising how difficult they are to see.
Darko
28 Mar 2014Mutant rats?
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/rat-attack-giant-rodent-terrorises-family-after-tunnelling-through-floor-30131271.html
Lol, sometimes, this feels better than SF stories I am reading 😛
Words
29 Mar 2014Darko, that story has certainly been doing the rounds, but no sign that they are headed over to the UK. A bit freaky though to see one that size.