Popular literature, or more specifically, The Wind in the Willows, has created more than a little confusion over the term ‘water rat’. Ratty, in the book, is a water vole. Not a rat at all. I would love the opportunity to photograph one (I’ve a few photos of a water vole from several years ago), but for those who were hoping to see a rotund and very cute little creature I’m afraid that you are going to be disappointed. Instead I’ve got a few photos of a rat by the water. I think they’re quite nice, though the deep shade under the trees overhanging the edge of the water made getting them something of a struggle.

Actually, even spotting the rat was not easy. There is one in this shot, I promise you.

Having seen it, I stayed put. Several minutes passed before it ventured out from under cover of the tree. I expected it to scurry into the bank, but instead it went for a leisurely paddle!

It had spotted something worth foraging.

The final shot of the sequence was taken from a different (and even less forgiving) angle. The focus point is the reflection, not the rat (easier to see if you click on the image to enlarge it).

Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.