Wildlife in the garden - Indian summer?
- Thread starter Dog Star
- Start date
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
The lack of a camera which is able to record images before dawn is frustrating.
Earlier this week I wrote:-
"And then the spaniel barked again at 4.30am... correct... this time there were two Hogs feeding from the food bowl..."
Today, at about 4.45am, the canine Hog-alarm went off which prompted me to go and see what was in the garden. I was totally stunned to find not one, not even two, but three hogs on our patio. This time I was able to see that there is a little hog, a large hog and a hog somewhere in between little and large. What puzzles me is how come three wild animals appear to have arrived on the patio at about the same time. I think that I may need to find info on the life and times of Hedgehogs.
regards, Graham
Earlier this week I wrote:-
"And then the spaniel barked again at 4.30am... correct... this time there were two Hogs feeding from the food bowl..."
Today, at about 4.45am, the canine Hog-alarm went off which prompted me to go and see what was in the garden. I was totally stunned to find not one, not even two, but three hogs on our patio. This time I was able to see that there is a little hog, a large hog and a hog somewhere in between little and large. What puzzles me is how come three wild animals appear to have arrived on the patio at about the same time. I think that I may need to find info on the life and times of Hedgehogs.
regards, Graham
I built a hedgehog feeder to complement a hedgehog house. this keeps the cats at bay and according to a wildlife camera is visited every night (sometimes more than once) by several hedghogs. It was built from scraps of timber and the key features are the use of baffles a sufficiently small entry to keep the cats out. You can see the later arched entry in the photo as young cats were able to get in. Unfortunately,
although they showed on the camera, one never got stuck for me to deal with in the morning...
oldravendale
Western Thunderer
A parallel story, Tim. Unfortunately true.
I have a very good friend who sadly is suffering from Alzheimer's but one of his joys whenever I saw him was to tell me that he had a thriving hog population - he'd actually seen a hedgehog when his wife and he moved in to a new property 5 years ago or so. Whenever we visited his wife would complain that they were spending a fortune on hedgehog food, and I smelled a rat. I suggested the purchase of a trail camera pointed at the hedgehog feeding station.
We visited again two weeks ago so I asked about the hogs - always one of the few subjects which gets my friend animated and he said "there aren't any". His wife said that, really sadly, they'd been feeding the local rat population.
There's a moral to this story, of course. On arriving home I realised that it may have been better for me to keep my big mouth shut and for friend to continue to believe he's feeding the hedgehogs. However, I assuaged my guilt by getting under his layout and sorting out some electrics so he can at least run one line. I'll visit again soon and sort out the other one.
Brian
I have a very good friend who sadly is suffering from Alzheimer's but one of his joys whenever I saw him was to tell me that he had a thriving hog population - he'd actually seen a hedgehog when his wife and he moved in to a new property 5 years ago or so. Whenever we visited his wife would complain that they were spending a fortune on hedgehog food, and I smelled a rat. I suggested the purchase of a trail camera pointed at the hedgehog feeding station.
We visited again two weeks ago so I asked about the hogs - always one of the few subjects which gets my friend animated and he said "there aren't any". His wife said that, really sadly, they'd been feeding the local rat population.
There's a moral to this story, of course. On arriving home I realised that it may have been better for me to keep my big mouth shut and for friend to continue to believe he's feeding the hedgehogs. However, I assuaged my guilt by getting under his layout and sorting out some electrics so he can at least run one line. I'll visit again soon and sort out the other one.
Brian
Rob Pulham
Western Thunderer
The cold snap around here seems to have encouraged our hog population into an early hibernation as they have pretty much stopped coming over the last couple of weeks or so.
Echoing the last couple of posts, as if by magic rats have moved in and we have had three in the trap in the last couple of days. After the problem we had last year with rats, they were easy to spot this year as they have a tendency to dig holes in our gravel. It was noting a few holes that had Chris setting the trap to see if it was indeed rats.
After confirming that there were rats where the main feeders are we had also had an idea that one had also moved into the hog house which is located away from the others. The night before last, Chris filled the entrance with hay. When hogs are in residence they either trample the hay when coming out or take it in to make their winter nest. The rat on the other hand just dug it's way out under the wall of the house, so we knew immediately that it was a rat.
We will stop putting out food until the hogs re-emerge in the spring.
Echoing the last couple of posts, as if by magic rats have moved in and we have had three in the trap in the last couple of days. After the problem we had last year with rats, they were easy to spot this year as they have a tendency to dig holes in our gravel. It was noting a few holes that had Chris setting the trap to see if it was indeed rats.
After confirming that there were rats where the main feeders are we had also had an idea that one had also moved into the hog house which is located away from the others. The night before last, Chris filled the entrance with hay. When hogs are in residence they either trample the hay when coming out or take it in to make their winter nest. The rat on the other hand just dug it's way out under the wall of the house, so we knew immediately that it was a rat.
We will stop putting out food until the hogs re-emerge in the spring.
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
To recap on the Hedgehog saga....
* there are at least three hogs which come into the garden, all seen at one time recently;
* roughly, the animals are 8", 6", and about 5" end-to-end.... although I do not know which end is which;
* visits to the food bowls are between 9.30 and 11.00pm with a second session between 4.30 and 5.00am.
Today is somewhat different! The first hog appeared at about 7.45pm, seen under the wheelbarrow and close to where the food bowls are placed - only I had not put out any food at that time. To make recompense I put out several bowls close to the animal in the hope that the hog would stay for food. About 8.30pm I spotted two hogs feeding... one may have been the animal from 7.45pm, the other hog, at about 5" long, was probably the "Little Hog" seen last week (noted on the previous web-page).
My first photo is the early visitor (time about 7.45pm) and indicates the small size of this animal. The green object is the upturned wheelbarrow under which I put the food and water bowls.
My second photo is at about 8.30pm and shows what I think is the earlier visitor drinking and a second visitor that I think is "Little Hog" from last week.
Anyone able to comment on how the sizes of our visitors relates to age and/or sex of the animals?
regards, Graham
* there are at least three hogs which come into the garden, all seen at one time recently;
* roughly, the animals are 8", 6", and about 5" end-to-end.... although I do not know which end is which;
* visits to the food bowls are between 9.30 and 11.00pm with a second session between 4.30 and 5.00am.
Today is somewhat different! The first hog appeared at about 7.45pm, seen under the wheelbarrow and close to where the food bowls are placed - only I had not put out any food at that time. To make recompense I put out several bowls close to the animal in the hope that the hog would stay for food. About 8.30pm I spotted two hogs feeding... one may have been the animal from 7.45pm, the other hog, at about 5" long, was probably the "Little Hog" seen last week (noted on the previous web-page).
My first photo is the early visitor (time about 7.45pm) and indicates the small size of this animal. The green object is the upturned wheelbarrow under which I put the food and water bowls.
My second photo is at about 8.30pm and shows what I think is the earlier visitor drinking and a second visitor that I think is "Little Hog" from last week.
Anyone able to comment on how the sizes of our visitors relates to age and/or sex of the animals?
regards, Graham
richard carr
Western Thunderer
Great pictures Graham
We do occasionally see the odd hog but the dogs tend to scare them off.
I think I need to make a feeder, Emma would be really pleased if I did.
Richard
We do occasionally see the odd hog but the dogs tend to scare them off.
I think I need to make a feeder, Emma would be really pleased if I did.
Richard
Max M
Western Thunderer
We have a large Ivy covering one of our fences and when it is sunny attracts the local invertebrates with a good supply of nectar.
For us the highlight of the visitors are the Red Admirals. This year has provided a bumper 'crop' the most we have counted at one time is fourteen.
There is also a Gatekeeper that visits regularly.
For us the highlight of the visitors are the Red Admirals. This year has provided a bumper 'crop' the most we have counted at one time is fourteen.
There is also a Gatekeeper that visits regularly.
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Tim,
Seeing as there are probably at least two of us interested in doing the same as you, please post dimensions of your hog feeding house.
Robin (@Rob Pulham),
I guess that stopping feeding hogs is when the animals no longer come for food, not sure that I know when to re-start feeding in the new year, do hogs emerge from hibernation on a temporary basis? How does one tell that the animals are visiting the garden other than seeing empty bowls?
Richard (@richard carr),
How to get dogs to share the garden with the Hedgehogs is a puzzle. Our Welsh Springer / Cavalier cross gets very noisy when he thinks that there is an animal in the garden and he is mostly correct. However, if he goes outside and tracks a smell then, so far, he sniffs the hog and walks away. Our Golden Retriever, Smudge, is the opposite and picks up any hog that he finds, runs around with the animal in his soft jaws before dropping the hog and walking away.
We try to ensure that the dogs are finished in the garden by a "curfew" before we put the food bowls out hence why previous posts note the times when we see Hedgehogs.
regards, Graham
Seeing as there are probably at least two of us interested in doing the same as you, please post dimensions of your hog feeding house.
Robin (@Rob Pulham),
I guess that stopping feeding hogs is when the animals no longer come for food, not sure that I know when to re-start feeding in the new year, do hogs emerge from hibernation on a temporary basis? How does one tell that the animals are visiting the garden other than seeing empty bowls?
Richard (@richard carr),
How to get dogs to share the garden with the Hedgehogs is a puzzle. Our Welsh Springer / Cavalier cross gets very noisy when he thinks that there is an animal in the garden and he is mostly correct. However, if he goes outside and tracks a smell then, so far, he sniffs the hog and walks away. Our Golden Retriever, Smudge, is the opposite and picks up any hog that he finds, runs around with the animal in his soft jaws before dropping the hog and walking away.
We try to ensure that the dogs are finished in the garden by a "curfew" before we put the food bowls out hence why previous posts note the times when we see Hedgehogs.
regards, Graham
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Osgood
Western Thunderer
SimonT
Western Thunderer
Can I ask those you who are about to feed the birds to clean your feeders. The BTO and RSPB recommend washing them once a month and normally washing-up liquid is enough. Both Avian Flu and Trich' are about and both are spread by multiple birds feeding in the same place. You really don't want to see a small finch die of Trich'.
As we are expecting an overnight temperature of 1C tonight I've just cleaned mine and food is going out. I just hope the Twite I heard calling a week ago comes around for breakfast.
As we are expecting an overnight temperature of 1C tonight I've just cleaned mine and food is going out. I just hope the Twite I heard calling a week ago comes around for breakfast.
Rob Pulham
Western Thunderer
Yes, then we start putting small amounts of food out at the beginning of March until we note activity and then increase it depending upon how many are feeding.
I have bought Chris a trail camera for Christmas so we should have a much better idea of overnight activities from now on.
Rob Pulham
Western Thunderer
Another visit from our resident Kestrel over lunch, just the other side of the railway track
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Simon,
Thank you for the timely reminder.
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
In the "tea drinking and muddling along" topic which was started by Colin (@Eastsidepilot) there has been some discussion about broadening the scope of this topic and making an appropriate change of title (thank you Simon T @SimonT and Dave Parkins @djparkins ).
My original reason for this topic was to record the birdlife that I have seen in our rural garden, later the scope got bigger to accomodate frogs in flower beds, Hibiscus flowering out of season and finally the daily life of an ever-increasing number of Hedgehogs. Simon T made a comment that he does not necessarily share my view of Nature in the garden and without further discussion I am not sure from where Simon is making such a comment. To be clear, I am neither upset nor irritated by Simon's comment for such aligns in some way with my own thoughts on how this topic might develop. For example:- why restrict the content to what can be seen from the window of a house? why restrict the content to birds?
I am thinking that this topic can be opened up to photos of any aspect of nature that gives pleasure to the person who posts the photograph... so now autumn leaves / trees in blossom are fair game as are ponds/streams... sunrise and sunset... maybe even Northern Lights for those who are lucky enough to make the trip. All I ask is that contributions do not show animals that are suffering or as prey to some predator. Simon, if you feel that there is another side of Nature to be included then please let me know.
Simon has suggested "walk on the wild side" which I think is a great idea, I like this suggestion and think that maybe there could be a WT-spin put on the text... possibly as "Welcome to thewild dark side - walk on in"... or maybe "Out in the wild, wet and windy side of life, please wipe your boots on the way in".
I shall think on't for a while longer, feel free to add your ideas for a new title.
regards, Graham
My original reason for this topic was to record the birdlife that I have seen in our rural garden, later the scope got bigger to accomodate frogs in flower beds, Hibiscus flowering out of season and finally the daily life of an ever-increasing number of Hedgehogs. Simon T made a comment that he does not necessarily share my view of Nature in the garden and without further discussion I am not sure from where Simon is making such a comment. To be clear, I am neither upset nor irritated by Simon's comment for such aligns in some way with my own thoughts on how this topic might develop. For example:- why restrict the content to what can be seen from the window of a house? why restrict the content to birds?
I am thinking that this topic can be opened up to photos of any aspect of nature that gives pleasure to the person who posts the photograph... so now autumn leaves / trees in blossom are fair game as are ponds/streams... sunrise and sunset... maybe even Northern Lights for those who are lucky enough to make the trip. All I ask is that contributions do not show animals that are suffering or as prey to some predator. Simon, if you feel that there is another side of Nature to be included then please let me know.
Simon has suggested "walk on the wild side" which I think is a great idea, I like this suggestion and think that maybe there could be a WT-spin put on the text... possibly as "Welcome to the
I shall think on't for a while longer, feel free to add your ideas for a new title.
regards, Graham
Wagonman
Western Thunderer
Plenty of raptors here in North Norfolk including Marsh Harriers. A couple of days ago I saw a Red Kite snacking on some road kill – I had forgotten just how big those birds are...
SimonT
Western Thunderer
Graham, my comment wasn't particularly about views on nature, it was more about "live and let live" when it comes to opinions and beliefs. It's your thread and you have made it clear that you don't wish to see beasts being consumed, so I would always steer clear of such material.
And on the no-pics topic, I failed to photograph a Yellow Wagtail who passed through here last week. Juvenile male and absolutely corking. Unlikely to stay as we have a family of Grey Wagtails who live on the house. Dad has been very busy moving the kids off the estate so he and mum can have a peaceful winter with sufficient grub.
Max M
Western Thunderer
Never fails to amaze me how closely humans can follow nature.
