Close encounter with Harvest Mouse in a marshland

 

The Harvest mouse is the smallest rodent in Western Europe. It can be found in many habitats, although it seems to prefer wet habitats in marshlands. In autumn and winter you can find abandoned breeding nests. In September there is a good chance toes live Harvest mice, sometimes with young animals. It's a lovely sight to see them furtively seeking in the vegetation. It is amazing to see them negotiating stems and leaves. Don't forget to take a closer look on the prehensile tail. It is used as a brake when climbing downwards. When stationary, it uses the tail as a fifth limb. When climbing upwards, the mouse holds the tail stiffly behind, so it acts as as balancing organ. In September 2015 I was able to shoot some 30 minutes of footage of this interesting and beautiful animal. Enjoy nearly seven minutes of a close look on this "less long-tailed field mouse" (Pennant 1768).