Rodley Nature Reserve

A very springlike day. Sunshine and showers but 10C Still a cool wind.

We had a visit to Rodley Nature Reserve, and enjoyed a walk round, although there wasn't a lot to see on the lagoons.
Parts were still inaccessible due to the floods, but no damage seems to have been done this time.

They have a harvest mouse introduction scheme, and you can see a couple at the top right of the collage. ( not a very good photo I'm afraid)
Since 2012 the Trust has worked towards the introduction of the Harvest Mouse to selected areas of the Reserve.
In 2014 they introduced 496 mice.
By the following year the number was up to 600, and by the end of 2019 almost 1000 mice had been released.
Surveys have confirmed evidence of successful breeding.

There are usually from 3 - 8 in a litter, and many females may have 3 litters a year, each in a new nest. The young mature in just 6 weeks.

However they have many predators,including here at Rodley, Weasels, Little owls, Barn owls, Tawney owls and Kestrels.
Winter survival rate can be as low as 5%.
Poor things don't stand much chance. 

The rest of the collage shows the sun causing the water to glisten.
The blossom trees coming into flower. 
A female bullfinch..
A cormorant drying it's wings.

Altogether a very enjoyable mornings walk.