A woodmouse was photographed in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in a series of remarkable images depicting it standing on its hind legs, using mushrooms to reach for food. Wildlife photographer Martin England, 64, captured the moments of the tiny creature foraging.
In the photographs, the mouse is seen gripping a plant with its front limbs, extending one leg for balance and standing on its tiptoes, a pose described as dancer-like. England noted the woodmice's inquisitive nature, which often leads them to explore their surroundings thoroughly.
England mentioned that the mice sometimes appear as if they are playing drums when positioned behind toadstools from his perspective. He described photographing woodmice for the first time as a challenge due to their small size and quick movements. He waited patiently near their known foraging areas and provided food, allowing the mice to behave naturally.
"I love how they look when they are the other side of the toadstools to me, as they look like they're playing the drums," England said. "This was my first time photographing woodmice, and I found it a bit of a challenge as they are so small and move so quickly."
He added that while he was taking the pictures, he did not have a clear view of their actions but observed them "dancing around on their tiptoes, like ballerinas."