There's a party in my garden!

18th September 2013. I was in the kitchen a couple of nights ago when the outside sensor light was triggered. I thought it was probably a fox but better just check.

I looked outside and couldn't seen anything then suddenly a little face popped up over a plant pot. It was a badger! I couldn't believe my eyes. I tried to grab my camera but it was gone by the time I got back.

I immediately looked up information about badgers and what they liked to eat to try and lure it back. The next night I left peanuts and bread with peanut butter on and kept checking to see if it came back. I was worried that putting the outside light on would frighten it.

This was my log from 21st Sep: Mr (or Mrs) Badger definitely came back last night, ate all the sandwiches and the peanuts, had a teeny dig in the garden then went off again. So now it knows I leave a little snackie out they may well be tempted to visit whilst I'm awake so I can get a photo. 

And 22nd Sep: Aggghhhhh this badger watching is more difficult than I thought. I think the Badger must have slid in on his tummy like an s.a.s. soldier last night. The light wasn't triggered but by the time I went to bed - after checking a load of times during the evening - suddenly the food was gone! I think I need a motion triggered camera to capture him.

Then 23rd Sep: Oh flipping Norah! Stupid Badger! I put fruit, nuts and sandwiches out last night about 7pm and after that every half hour (at least) I went to look and it was all still there. Then at 10.30 I went to feed Sophie and it had ALL gone - unbelievable, I think the badgers laughing at me.

But later on 23rd September I spotted the badger and discovered that infact the light didn't bother it so I could leave it on all the time!

Then on 24th September I was watching the badger when something moved in the corner and suddenly there were 2!

Amazing! They visit every night now around a similar time looking out for food as they know there's always something nice left out for them. I put a trail of peanuts right up to the door so that I can have a good look at them and they don't seem bothered at all.

It's thought (by the Badger conservation people) that one is male and one is female but it's hard to be absolutely sure. I hope they're right as I'd love to see baby badgers next year.

The one we think is female (and I have called Rosie) is a little piggy and eats everything. The one we think is male (and I have called Charlie) usually eats a few peanuts then goes to get Rosie and watches her whilst she eats the bread and fruit etc. If Rosie's left to her own devices and Charlie isn't around she definitely doesn't leave anything for him! Poor Charlie......

My Sophie loves the badgers, she races round the conservatory when they appear then goes back to watch them. It's strange as she doesn't do that with a fox or another cat.