Field or Short-Tailed Vole ID needed please

Markulous · #1 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 09:50 PM

Every time I think Field I change my mind to Short-Tailed!

I've lots of pics of him/her taken over the last 18 months (probably his/her family as I don't think the original 'Mr Squeak' is with us any more)

This shot taken with my mobile - but I've "better" shots with a "real" camera!

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markulous

Every time I think Field I change my mind to Short-Tailed!

I've lots of pics of him/her taken over the last 18 months (probably his/her family as I don't think the original 'Mr Squeak' is with us any more)

This shot taken with my mobile - but I've "better" shots with a "real" camera!

Field Vole + Short-tailed Vole are different names for the same species!

I think this is a Bank Vole due to the reddish-brown fur on the back + in vole terms the ears look reasonably prominent.

nutmeg · #3 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 05:49 AM

Just an observation here:

Even though Field Vole and Short-tailed Vole are different names for the same species, there are pages for each in the mammal directory (just spotted that when I clicked on the blue link text). Could be a little confusing for those not aware that they're for the same species.

(I've just had a look to see if I can edit the directory, but decided against it - don't want to make matters worse through incompetence!)

Markulous · #4 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Field Vole + Short-tailed Vole are different names for the same species!

I think this is a Bank Vole due to the reddish-brown fur on the back + in vole terms the ears look reasonably prominent.

See? I'm even getting confused by the multiple names! LOL!

Many thanks for replying - Bank Vole I'm happy to go with!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutmeg

Just an observation here:

Even though Field Vole and Short-tailed Vole are different names for the same species, there are pages for each in the mammal directory (just spotted that when I clicked on the blue link text). Could be a little confusing for those not aware that they're for the same species.

(I've just had a look to see if I can edit the directory, but decided against it - don't want to make matters worse through incompetence!)

I wish I could claim that's the reason for my confusion - but it's not! Thanks anyway!

The Woodman · #5 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 08:22 AM

I'd agree with Aeshna's ID of Bank Vole.

It's one of the best pictures I've ever seen taken by a phonecam.

Markulous · #6 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 08:40 AM

Cheers on both counts!

Now wondering whether I should be rude when I see "him" (all happens just outside my front door so see him most days) - don't think we're far enough north for him to be Northern Rock (maybe HSBC?)