Hedgehog Visitor and Plants

Last night the large Hedgehog visited by itself. That makes two nights solo and two nights as a pair on alternating nights. At last I am pleased with the camera position. Moving it closer means the subject is larger and the IR lighting is stronger so the picture is a bit brighter. For now I will leave well alone.

During the time I watched mr(s) Hedgehog it visited the feeding area three times and for the first time I saw it drink the water I had put out. Some people think that milk is what needs to be given but this is most definitely a NO NO. Hedgehogs cannot digest milk. It upsets their system and can kill them. Water is all they need.

I had put some crushed peanuts (not salted) out a bit earlier than usual as I wanted to watch a TV programme but ended up having to chase away a pair of Magpies who decided to dive in and help themselves as it was still light. Soon after dusk the large Hedgehog turned up and spent nearly three quarters of an hour on and off on the paved area under the bird feeders. In fact towards the end I turned the TV off and watched hoggy-vision as it was definitely more interesting.

Tonight I will put out a bit of Bobby's tinned meat, finely chopped as Hedgehogs only have little teeth. I was going to use some corned beef but this is another no, no because of the salt content.

Here is the video of hoggy's final visit last night.



At last my Bluebells are in bloom. There have been three clumps of them in my back garden for over thirty years and each year they spread a little and brighten up an area which is otherwise grass and in the shade for most of the day.



Also in bloom is a favourite of mine, a succulent which grows with a mixture of Alpine plants in a glazed bowl. In fact I picked up two of these bowls in a sale at my local garden centre a few years ago and every year they are a delight.

From MIDMARSH JOTTINGS

A few night ago when I took the 350D out Hedgehog hunting I took this photo of part of my front garden. Some years ago I gravelled over all the front as the amount of mowing front and back was getting too much for me. It is far from bare though as I planted low growing evergreens and several dwarf trees. It has taken a few years for them to mature but now I am quite satisfied with the result. In the middle is a raised bed so as to break up the expanse of level ground. Of course I added one of my favourite solar powered lanterns as I like to see a bit of movement and colour at night and the flicker of the artificial flame does just that.



Another favourite is an Acer with deep red leaves which have deep divisions. This grows in a tub to keep the size down and I think it is now making a lovely weeping shape.





Finally an unknown weed. I hadn't the heart to pull up this plant. I say weed as I am going by the definition that a weed is a self seeded plant growing in the wrong place. The little flowers are too pretty to throw out so I will have to try to move it somewhere it can grow where it won't get mown. At the moment it is in the edge of the lawn.