Today was a day of dodging showers, but I did manage about an hour at Falmer Pond this afternoon where I came across one of the less well regarded inhabitants. You can see one of them peeking in the top right hand corner of this shot (I only spotted it there when I was processing the pictures later on).
It was while I was photographing the moorhens from rather closer that I spotted another of these pond-side dwellers. It was swimming.
Yes, it's a rat. And I spent much of the remainder of my time watching a pair scampering from the undergrowth into the pond and back again. These are a few of the better shots. 
I mentioned a pair, and to be accurate I should have said adult and juvenile. Here they are deep in the shadows.
And out to the water… and back again.
One more circuit!
It's a shame the light wasn't better (most images were shot at ISO 1000), but it was fascinating to watch them. They are incredibly agile, and very powerful swimmers. I also got some decent shots of a sandpiper, but those will have to wait until another day.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.
RobinL
5 Sep 2011Words, now don't they look like they were having a gay old time!
Words
5 Sep 2011Robin, it's the first time I've seen them there, but you're absolutely right. They were having a whale of time and really seemed to enjoy swimming. It wasn't even as if they were trying to get anywhere.
serola
6 Sep 2011WOW! The jumping rats look 😎
KayFour
6 Sep 2011I always picture rats in a negative light. I am so glad you showed me the other side of rat-hood.
anonymous
6 Sep 2011Anonymous writes:
They are kinda cute actually!!
Marilyn
Kelisha
6 Sep 2011Excellent Photos Words :wizard:
they look so Content when their together Don't they??:awww: :flirt: :angel: 😉 🙂
I always picture rats in a negative light. I am so glad you showed me the other side of rat-hood.:happy:
Kay Four yeah Rats are really Sweet childlike Animals especially Pet ones,
I have had Pet Ratties for Years now & they really do make an Excellant Pet & Companion!!!
if you want to see them go to my Blog Photos "Random Photos" & my Newer Albums.:yes:;) :awww: :happy: :psmurf:
KayFour
6 Sep 2011Hi Kelisha,
Heading on over to your place, now.
K4
gdare
6 Sep 2011It was day for recreation I guess 😀
Words
6 Sep 2011Kelisha, thanks. I enjoyed watching the adult and youngster together. Most of the time it was too dark under the cover to get decent photos, but they were really interacting well. The adult was encouraging the young one to swim. Swimming lessons, maybe?
Words
6 Sep 2011Darko, absolutely! 🙂
Words
6 Sep 2011Marilyn, thanks!
Words
6 Sep 2011Sami, those were the best leaping shots… I got some more but they weren't as sharp. Lively little things!
Words
6 Sep 2011Karen, out in parks or wild area they are fine and incredibly well adapted as you might expect. And fascinating to watch. I'm less keen seeing them nearer to home.
Ukwildlife
6 Sep 2011Nice shots. I yet to manag a good shot of a rat!
Words
6 Sep 2011Neil, for some reason I am quite lucky with them. I'm still working out whether or not that's a good thing. 😉
anonymous
8 Sep 2011Gaina writes:
What fantastic photos. I really love rats, such interesting, intelligent creatures 🙂
Words
8 Sep 2011Gaina, it's amazing how popular they are (in the right setting). Thanks!
SittingFox
13 Sep 2011Rats swimming – and flying, apparently! 😉 Excellent. They're fascinating creatures and yes, often hard to photograph.
Words
13 Sep 2011Adele, easily my favourite sequence of all the recent ones. It was just after heavy rain so I guess they were making the most of it. I'd never seen them there before (though I presume that's simply because they stay well hidden).