Mouse or Vole or ?????

[Whispering Grass]

We have a bird feeder for peanuts and invariably some drop to the ground. Throughout the day, a long thin mouse-like creature appears, grabs a fallen nut, then scurries away again. What is it? It certainly looks like a mouse but is so long (about 5" not including the tail)that I am not so sure. I think it's far too thin to be a rat, so what do you think?

[aeshna5]

From the description it sounds like a young Common Rat; too long to be a mouse.

[Whispering Grass]

Although I must thank you for your reply, my OH is none too happy. Me? I put down some more peanuts

[vole-woman]

If you're sure about your measurements, I agree with aeshna5. But if you think you've been a little generous with your sizing, wood mice and bank voles both sometimes turn up around or on bird feeders.

[Whispering Grass]

Spotted offender three times today and absolutely no doubt about size. It resembled and old fashioned clothes peg without the 'v'.

[dampflippers]

Could it be a weasel? How long is it's tail compared with its body? I know they don't normally eat birdfood, but worth checking some photos just in case.

[Whispering Grass]

Hi, haven't seen it today and it never hangs around long enough for me to take a photo. Must say that at last sighting it did look more like an elongated mouse than anything else.

[Tracey.A]

Sounds like a young rat to me as well. Question is where are its brothers and sisters?

Tracey

[Whispering Grass]

Hi Tracey, dont know where they are, but if I come across them, will bring them to Fife and drop them off somewhere around the coast!