Garden visitor Autumn 2006 - Diary 2007

January to April 2007.

Various occasional signs of movement as the hedgehog bedding is disturbed, moved around, and plastic bags appear in different places. On a few occassions top up the shreddings to give when removing plastic bags. From time to time put out cat food, but on most attempts local cats appear to have taken the free meal.

Signs are that we have either been lucky with mild winter and/or our provisions of bedding, extra compost bag over the top of the box as well as siting of the box has enabled the hedgehog to survive. Additionally ensuring the hedgehog was well fed before hibernation will have helped.

8^th April 2007.

First sighting actually during the day of hedgehog being outside. Immediately ensure the water bowl is refilled and the hedgehog drinks gladly has a scratch and stretch.

When the hedgehog is seen out on evening 'patrol' of the garden, the box is emptied, cleaned with water only, then completely new bedding of paper shreddings is provided, as well as clean water and some food. The hedgehog only has a slight temporary problem in that the box was rotated and finding the new position of the entrance was slightly tricky.

Sometimes in the past the hedgehog has been seen out for short strolls during the day for brief periods. Start putting out food on a more regular basis.

13^th April 2007.

First 2007 night shot with flash of the hedgehog at a night feed.

Thankfully the hedgehog is still wary of us and not yet tried to get into the house.

21^st April 2007.

Now out and about every night. Seen here foraging for food and wandering around.

22^nd April 2007 (well late night 21^st April).

Whilst late at night putting some bits out to the garden I noticed the hedgehog about and managed to take two photos in quick succesion, just about before the first attempted entry could succeed. Once I stood up and walked towards the door the hedgehog scurried back to his box. So these photos are entitled 'Breaking and Entering'.

22^nd April 2007 (Daytime).

Sunday lunchtime and whilst sitting in the garden we noticed the hedgehog get up for a stroll around and took a few daytime photos. Various activities and short stroll before going back to bed. I think the sound of the camera and flash attract the hedghog to think that it's feeding time!

1^st May 2007.

An evening of wandering around the garden. Even though the lawn patrol picture was the hedgehog moving at speed towards me.

At this stage the hedgehog gained the nickname of ASBO, for barging through various things and causing minor mayhem as well as several trips into the house.

3^rd & 4 ^th May 2007.

Quick photos taken when sitting in garden or about to put out some food.

Coming down the steps and at that time avoid using the ramp, which ASBO used in later weeks.

20^th May 2007.

Born free moment on this day, ASBO and box was transported to the allotment. By placing at top of allotment in amongst the brambles and other overgrown parts that back onto a public park, gave the hedgehog the best chance for normal survival. Due to the weeks of rain the release date was set back

Within 10 minutes of placing the box in its new location, ASBO was off searching around the new area. We will see if ASBO returns to the box by mainly moving the paper shreddings to fill the opening and see if they are disturbed later. Paper shreddings are easily moved by the hedgehog and disturbances to the shreddings are good clues as to size of animal using the box.