Alan Seymour has provided the group with many beautiful photos of badgers over the years, one of which you will see in the header at the top of our blog page and newsletter. Here he shares one of his evenings with us.
I arrived at the farm at 18.40 and after a hot day, the evening was quite cool and the wind had really got up. I got up to the sett to find the wind blowing in the opposite direction to what it usually is, so a new place had to be found so that I could cover the entrances required. I was not too happy where I was but as it was getting on I had to be sat ready in case they came out early.
As I sat in my chair relaxing and enjoying the surroundings I started to nod off (not recommended while waiting for wildlife). Around 21.00 I came to a bit to find the sun was shining through a hole in the clouds right on the sett, I thought ‘what if Brock stuck his head up now !!!’ – Well he did, or should I say a cub did! I could not believe it, a badger in day light in front of me and my lens. I got my eye behind the view finder and waited until this little chap looked my way. Over the next 10 minutes or so he / she was up and down and rooting about on top of the mound of earth in front of the main entrance. Then all was quiet until 22.00 when 2 more appeared and then 3 and then 4 all playing and eating not 15 feet from where I sat. I sat and watched them play and chase each other about before getting any more photos. As the light had almost gone, the torch was switched on and the flash gun was used. By 11.30 I had seen 4 cubs and 3 adults.
It was not long after that they had all gone off to do what Badgers do, so I packed all the gear away and left the sett as I found it and Brock in peace. This was my first sighting this year in daylight, although only for a short time and for a few images. It was a great night and one I will remember. As I returned to the van I could not wait to get home and get the images loaded onto the computer to see what I had. As it turned out I had a few good ones and a few bad ones, so I was well pleased with my 3rd visit………..A. Seymour |
