Vole

This is our main bird seed feeding area, designed to offer protection from the weather and prevent larger birds stealing the food, and good visibility for us as it's only a few feet from the kitchen. It's designed for birds but recently....

....something else has been enjoying the almost unlimited food supply.

When I spotted it I thought it was a mouse but now I'm certain it's a vole, perhaps a field vole rather than a bank vole.

At first it used to scamper out from under the feeder, dash to where the food lay, grab something, and retreat back under the feeder. Now it's become much bolder, spending....

....long, leisurely minutes working its way through a hearty meal.