It seems the rats have been breeding down by Falmer Pond. The young ones were out in force today, closely monitored by the adults (which may explain why they’ve become bolder recently in hunting down the food left for the ducks and geese).
The two adults, with three young rats. I’m sure there are more.
Two of the young rats exploring.
There were more rats just along from where I took those shots. These ones were down by the edge of the water.
Swimming rat
Others had taken to the heights 😉
Rat in a tree.
The young ones are also learning to climb (just a little bit).
Young rats on tree roots.
The local population of rats fluctuates through the year, and I have seen them in these numbers before; but clearly too many rats can be a problem which is not helped by the continual duck feeding that goes on several times a day. That’s something that ultimately may need to be controlled. Meanwhile, I’ll photograph them. They do make great subjects and I do find them very entertaining to watch.
Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.
