Totally baffled !

[Gaza]

Hi Guy's
I'm not sure whether I should post this here, or in Mammals or Insects ?

Can anyone advise me as to what might be building this?

These stones appear over the course of a couple of days. If the patio is swept clean. This pile of stones appears again, in a couple of days.

The friend who asked me, said that she has not seen any movement.

It was suggested that the stones were gathered by rain water and swept into a pile. But this isn't the case.
The pile of stone,is roughly 3" 75mm across and 1" 25mm high.

Could this be bird activity?
Any ideas, Please!

[Susie]

If there was something underneath it I would suggest mice. They can make a pile of debris over a food supply. Could there be something underneath it?

Failing that I don't know I'm afraid.

[Gaza]

Thanks for your reply Suzie.
It is possible. The stones are on top of the join between two slabs. Although, the gap in between, is only about 1/4"

There are no signs of droppings.

[counterlady]

has the joint in the paving got any signs of a hole!!!

[Gaza]

I havent seen it myself. But apparently, Yes! It does.

Looks as though, this is the work of a mouse.

Sorry that I have put this in the wrong forum!

[counterlady]

Dont worry about it - its no problem. It definately nothing to do with birds but I can imagine it would be a mouse - but what type - house mouse or field mouse - other experts on here will hopefully help with that one

[RKB]

Looks like Wood Mouse. They will pile things up on top of a hole where they're caching food, or using for shelter.

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by Gaza

Sorry that I have put this in the wrong forum!

No problem - I've shifted it to "Mammals" as that looks favourite.

Dave P.

[Susie]

I've had house mousies do this. They piled all sorts from bits of plaster to brass olives (plumbing) on top of a tray of poison bait.

[Gaza]

Thanks, everyone. I am happy now that it is a mouse

Thanks all for your help