Dance of the Draenog

Privileged to witness and film Hedgehog courtship in my own back garden tonight! Unfortunately my camera does not have sound, so you will have to imagine the huffing, which was emitted constantly by the lighter-coloured, smaller female. I have to admit to feeling a little bit sorry for the male, who received several firm rebuffs, but still persevered! I hope his persistence pays off!

This behaviour can last for hours and doesn't necessarily end in mating. Often one or the other runs off, or the loud noise attracts other suitors, causing a sparring match between the males. Since there is no evidence that Hedgehogs form any kind of pair bond and promiscuity appears to be the rule, this tedious courtship seems a complete waste of everyone's time! But, I guess the female has a right to be choosy given the bodily contortions she has to undertake to actually mate!

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.

Hedgehogs a-plenty

Yesterday's first Hedgehog of the year has picked up some friends! Last night the feeder received lengthy visits on four separate occasions, at 10:15pm, 1am, 2:20am and 4am! At 10:39pm, the first beat a hasty retreat as the second took it's place at the table:

This little fella had an itch!

First Hedgehog of 2013

I was beginning to wonder whether I would ever see a Hedgehog this Spring, but finally they have put me out of my misery! Last night, at about 10:15pm, a Hedgehog visited our feeder for the first time since November, as recorded on our trailcam:

So nice to see them again! May it be the first of many!

Incidentally, I feed my Hedgehogs Vine House Farm Hedgehog Food; it generally doesn't attract cats and the hedgies love it!

Bat in the logpile

Rescued a female pipistrelle bat today. She was found in a pile of logs and put on top of a nearby shed out of harms way. When she hadn't gone the next day, I received a call and bombed over to pick her up. Since she seemed unhurt, I took her straight to the local bat carer for some R&R. She seemed perky enough, so I thought she was probably just a little dehydrated and hungry. Sadly, however, it transpired that she had a broken wing, so she will not be able to be released back into the wild. Not what we had hoped for, but at least she has the best possible care.

Unexpected visitor

Despite the cold weather of late, my Mum thought she had a Hedgehog visiting her feeder. The muddy marks she found on the patio door, she attributed to their little feet, although they looked more like nose-marks to me. To solve the mystery, I lent her my trailcam and we were both astounded at what we found:

 

Ok, so a Badger isn't rare, but as my Mum said "It was literally the last thing I expected to visit my garden because I didn't think there was anywhere large enough for them to get through." And just to prove it wasn't a one off, here is another shot from two days later:

All that's left now is to work out how they are getting in!

Otter at LCYD part 2

Still there in the afternoon! This photo is courtesy of Val Lewis who was lucky enough to not only see this wonderful creature in the morning, but also to photograph it in the afternoon! Very confiding!

Otter at LCYD

Otter spotted mooching about at Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve this morning, seen from the hide! (Report from Len Lewis)

Some people have all the luck!