Are water voles breeding late this year?

[vole-woman]

I've just had an email from a wildlife group cancelling a survey day because they think the cold weather's set the Water Vole breeding back. I've not seen many round my local brook at all, and it has been bloomin' cold here (west midlands/north west). Has anyone else been finding the same? or has there been a horrible local population crash???

[Dogghound]

Interesting, there is usually a peak of breeding around late march april, then progressively through the year having 4-6 litters per year plus a late peak towards autumn. Interesting that there is little sign of breeding now, I know in colder countrys such as Russia breeding starts around May. Their is vole activity here (in a Mink area) although unsure if its sexual or not will take a closer look. Hope there hasnt been a crash.

[shirl]

Here in Derbyshire the Water Voles I survey looked like they would start breeding early, there was even alot of activity in December.Surveyed one site again this afteroon and the number of latrines had increased from 28 to 40 since I surveyed it in March, and 12 of those were large trampled ones. It is dreadful weather now, but there is no sign that the Water Voles have been affected. The feeding signs are excellent too, 4 voles out on the bank this afternoon - munching of course!

Shirl

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

I haven't done any surveys yet, and because of a high work load might on manage any before I move. Having said that on the many walks I've had I have to say the Water Vole population on the on the Lower Windrush seem very scarce at the moment. I think the flood last winter followed by the flood last summer have really had a drastic effect on them.

BWD

[vole-woman]

Thanks for the info. All I can do is keep watching, I suppose. It's bitter here, though - my tadpoles are in such a state of torpor I thought they were dead till I brought a few indoors and they perked up at once.

[shirl]

I suppose lack of activity especially on river banks might be due to the dreadful floods last year, some of our river Water Vole populations suffered devastating results.I have only surveyed canals, a lake and one stream so far this year and all but the stream have been good results. Not sure on the stream yet, it is still a possible (new holes, right size & location but not a lot else) but have to do the opposite bank before reaching any firm conclusion.

Lets hope they come out soon for you

Shirl

PS Its cold here too, where is Spring?

[vole-woman]

Here's a question: there are lots of burrows along the banks, but how do I tell whether they're Water Vole? I've hardly ever seen one of these 'lawns' voles are supposed to make, even when I've been surveying thriving colonies. I know rats sometimes make spoil heaps outside their burrows, so that's a tell-tale sign, but I don't think they always do, do they?

These holes are spoil-heap free, with nibbled grass around, but NOT with the giveaway chooped-at-an-angle ends. Will rats cut grass for nesting? The only prints nearby are ambiguous, and I haven't been able to find any droppings.

[shirl]

Rat burrows can be a bit larger, with spoil outside and usually there are quite a few holes with distinct "runs " between them. They tend to appear higher up away from the water's edge than Water Vole burrows. From what I understand when rats go off in search of food they use the same route, so there should be some tell tale signs of a worn "path" heading from the holes.

From what you said about the short nibbled grass around the entrance it does sound like Water Vole activity, although like you I don't tend to see grazed lawn areas when I am surveying by the canal. It can be so difficult with only 1 sign (e.g.holes) to be absolutely certain, yesterday I was surveying a stream (not my favourite site at all) and I found piles of chewed spike rush in the middle of spike rush clumps, however they were much shorter than you would expect from Water Vole feeding remains. Further along I found lots of latrines in the spike rush clumps, definitely not Water Vole and I am fairly sure they were Field Vole. But the feeding remains can't be Field Vole as they eat grass!

Pic of the Field Vole latrine



Shirl

[vole-woman]

I'm fairly sure Field Voles do eat spiky reeds (juncus?) as well as grass, Shirl. They seem to like to strip the outer green to show the pith, too.

Thanks for the comments on burrows; thing is, I've seen Water Vole 'runs' coming from burrows as well - it's so bloomin' confusing! But I didn't know rat burrows tended to be higher, though. I'm beginning to wonder whether the colony I watch has moved under the culvert to another section of the stream where there are a whole load of burrows just above the water level.

[shirl]

I will keep my fingers crossed that the Water Voles have moved in to the new site where the burrows are . Maybe last years youngsters are spreading out into new territories ready for breeding. It is confusing, if only you could find a scattered dropping!

Shirl

[vole-woman]

Droppings are the only really definitive sign here, aren't they? Bar actually seeing the animal, I mean. Chopped vegetation can be Field Vole, burrows and runs can be rat, runs can be all sorts. Just come back from Whixall Moss nature reserve, and the Field Vole nibbling is everywhere.

[vole-woman]

Is this the sort of thing you found, Shirl?

About a Brook: Out on Whixall Moss

[shirl]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

Is this the sort of thing you found, Shirl?

About a Brook: Out on Whixall Moss

I will go back and get some proper pics, batteries on camera went so this one was a mobile phone shot! The remains are in the top part of the shot, and were only 2-3 inches long at best and are tiny by comparison of the usual bits of spike rush left over by Water Voles. Interesting one really, will take the trusty ruler too, you never know, might be baby Water Voles - I wish.



Shirl

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

I agree that droppings and latrines are the most reliable field signs and of course an actual Water Vole sighting is the best evidence. The banks of Windrush are potted with holes from the top of the banks down. I've no idea which are Water Vole burrows, unless of course I've seen a Water Vole entering or leaving one.
A question for the other Water Vole surveyors. How far from the water course do you extend the survey? I only survey a few feet from the top of the bank, but as the Water Voles can exit the burrows further away should I be looking further a field?

BWD

[vole-woman]

Our group only ever looks at the banks, Billy.

[shirl]

My surveys depend on the type of water course really, canals I survey the bank from water level upwards and also a metre or so away from the canal, where there are muddy bits /stones at the waters edge I usually wade in and check where I can. The stream I did last week - I searched the bank and then using chest waders clambered in to check spike rush and reeds etc, you can sometimes see holes and latrines more easily when you are in the water.

The site I went to today by the canal just for a half hours rest and relaxation, well we have predators about. 2 Water Voles taken by a kestrel in the last few days and today I saw a Stoat in one of the stone walls which is used by quite a few voles. Still can't do much about nature, lets hope the Mink keep away.

Shirl

[vole-woman]

Yes, there's a real difference between native (balanced) predators and non-native ones.

I just had a sighting in the section where I thought all the Water Voles had gone, so fingers crossed this better weather brings a few more out over the next weeks.

[shirl]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

Yes, there's a real difference between native (balanced) predators and non-native ones.

I just had a sighting in the section where I thought all the Water Voles had gone, so fingers crossed this better weather brings a few more out over the next weeks.

That's good news, bet you will be down there watching and waiting now, except the weather is going to be wet - yet again! 1.5 days of Spring sunshine and that's your lot! Fingers crossed for your new sighting.

Shirl