I called into Cromford Canal this morning on the way into the peaks.
I was looking for Water Vole and alas, having confirmed it with Bob and Sarah the Rangers, there have Mink present in the canal the evidence being irrefutable (footprints caught in clay etc). The mink appear to have appeared around the 16th October.
To put this into perspective this morning I saw one vole in 2 hours (thankfully I saw one vole) instead of what would normally have been numerous sightings in 30 minutes. This story can be recounted by, at least, three other local Pro/AM wildlife photographers.
Obviously this has had a quite devistating effect on the Water Vole population and sightings there may be very 'hard fought'; never mind getting their photo. The dab chick numbers are down as well.
Posted by John MacTavish on October 29, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Only good thing about mink is that they are very easy to trap and eradicate from areas.
John
Posted by Paul Gibbs on October 30, 2006 at 8:37 AM
Mink are one of the few creatures i actively hate. It was such a shame that they have become establised in some areas. The first thing i notice is the lack of moorhens, i find that a pretty good sign of "infestation".
Posted by Dave Courtenay on October 30, 2006 at 10:33 AM
Mink numbers down south are on the decline-guess they have all gone up north,Once the voles dissapear next will be the barn owls as voles make up a large part of barn owls diet,now the voles are coming back down south barn owl numbers are increasing as are otters
Discussion
3 repliesI was looking for Water Vole and alas, having confirmed it with Bob and Sarah the Rangers, there have Mink present in the canal the evidence being irrefutable (footprints caught in clay etc). The mink appear to have appeared around the 16th October.
To put this into perspective this morning I saw one vole in 2 hours (thankfully I saw one vole) instead of what would normally have been numerous sightings in 30 minutes. This story can be recounted by, at least, three other local Pro/AM wildlife photographers.
Obviously this has had a quite devistating effect on the Water Vole population and sightings there may be very 'hard fought'; never mind getting their photo. The dab chick numbers are down as well.
John