Country diary: a close encounter with a wood mouse

Crook, Co Durham: The mouse took a while to find the hazelnuts I'd left out for it, approaching by a cautious, roundabout route before grabbing one and dashing to safetyI rarely see wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) in our garden, at best just catching a glimpse of one darting for cover after being disturbed among the flower pots.They mostly feed after dusk, so it has been a delight to watch one that's regularly active in broad daylight. It has become gradually accustomed to my presence. Sudden movements still send it racing for the wood pile, but if I sit still it approaches within a few feet. Continue reading...