Voles

[seadogg]

The voles in my rockery were out in the snow today clearing spilled bird seed.
I thought they were hibernating in their burrow. It wasn't the pointy faced mice from the compost box.
Shouldn't they be fast asleep now.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"Voles do not hibernate but moult to cope with the inevitable change in temperature with the seasons".

Source:
http://www.mammal.org...on=com_content&id=222

Chris

[buildersmate]

Voles do not hibernate - at least my bank voles don't. They are active throughout the year, in their own little burrowing way.

[boxtops]

How lucky you both are, to have voles!

[seadogg]

Thanks and pleased somebody else has bank voles.I have been reading the wrong books. Good job they can't read. Last time we had them a weasel moved in so fingers crossed for this lot.

[buildersmate]

Rarely seen 'in the fur'. Occasional glimpse in the compost heap nibbling at vegetable peelings, plus the tunnels they dig. Like a miniature version of a mole. A much under-studied little creature.

[seadogg]

Thanks b-m. The main tunnel is well visible and comes out below a bird table. Hope yours do well. We also have tawny owl nearby and they are apparently partial to bank voles.

[Invictas]

BTW,your "pointy faced mice" are probably actually shrews.