The Water Vole - endangered in the UK

I will never cease to be amazed at the wonders to be seen here on the south coast of the UK where I currently live. I have lost count of the amount of times that I have walked past this spot in question and barely given it a second glance, except perhaps to see if there is a Cetti’s or a Reed Warbler lurking, before moving on.

Imagine my recent surprise when I spotted some movement at the base of the reeds where I was and the excitement of looking down.. approx 30-40ft away from me… was Ratty (for all you Wind in the Willows fans) … The Water Vole itself. I settled down and must have spent some 45 mins, with my a9ii, watching this most endangered of the mammal species in the UK. (source British Wildlife Centre)