Strange sound from Yellow-neck

Whilst checking the dormouse nest boxes at Coed Pendugwm Nature Reserve the other day, I found two Yellow-necked Mice in one box, one male and one female. Once in the bag, the female constantly made a sound which I have never heard any mouse make before.

I'm guessing it was a response to the stress, maybe even a warning to stay away. I would be interested to know whether anyone else has heard something similar.

New mouse record

Whilst waiting for the Hedgehogs to emerge from hibernation, I have been kept amused by a mouse who has taken advantage of the uneaten food.

It's size made me curious, as it looked a little larger than your typical Wood Mouse, although it was a mature breeding male (as evidenced by it's obvious swollen testes). It also seemed a little bolder than normal, spending long periods of time on the feeder. Consequently, I was keen to catch it for a closer look.

Testing out some new small mammals traps for the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (BioEcoSS Tube Traps), I set one by the Hedgehog feeder, hoping the mouse would oblige. However, it wasn't until he came last night and found all the food eaten (by the Hedgehogs) that he was caught.

So, on emptying the trap this morning, I was able to confirm my suspicions; it was a male Yellow-necked Mouse (Apodemus flavicollis).

 

This is the first record for this part of Montgomeryshire, but still within the known range. As yet, this species has only been found in the eastern side of the vice-county.