Tag Archives: badger

Newt Climbing a Toad and Badger Photo special

Last night (Friday) was one of those nights in the garden that turned out to be quite special. It started down at the front of the garden where I spotted a toad just outside the back door. It took a second glance to see exactly what was going on. The toad was reaching up towards a raised step, and a newt was using the toad as a climbing frame!

Toad and newt

Toad and newt

Toad and newt

The newt eventually scrambled up to the higher level, while the toad decided on an easier route.

Toad in garden

While all this was going on, a badger had emerged unnoticed at the back of the garden. I’ve no idea how long it had been there, but it was well settled in and allowed me to photograph it for around quarter of an hour. With care I was able to move around slightly, which is significant progress, though it was still quite jumpy if I made any sharp noise (such as standing on a twig). This is a small selection.

Badger

badger

badger

Badger

Badger

Badger

It eventually wandered off when some fox calls came from nearby. I didn’t see any foxes last night, but there’s always a chance one will show up. For now though it seems the badgers (there are at least two of them, though only one in this sequence) have taken claim of the garden.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.

Posted in Amphibians, Badger, Newt, toad, Wildlife Also tagged , |

Tree Rat, Rabbit and More Badgers

A couple from the day, and then to the main event. I wasn’t really going to post yet more photos of rats, but this one caught my eye. The rat was in a tree that overhangs a rubbish bin and was considering making the dash across on that very narrow twig. It didn’t this time, but I’ve seen one make the reverse journey.

rat in tree

Altogether higher on the cuteness stakes is this young rabbit in the corner of a field. A bit overgrown (the undergrowth that is), which mars the shot slightly; but young rabbits are always worth a quick pic.

young rabbit

Now for the main event. I went outside relatively early (around 10pm) and waited quietly to see who would show up. Sure enough one of the badgers put in an appearance. Initially it retreated when it noticed me, but soon came back and settled down for a peanut feast.

Badger

Badger

Badger

Badger

Camera note: rabbit and rat photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens. Badger photographed with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.

Posted in Badger, rabbit, rats Also tagged , |

Badger Bonus

Having just posted about sunsets, we looked outside and spotted one of the local badgers roaming around the garden. I’ve plenty of trail camera stills but it’s been some time since I’ve attempted to get any proper photos of them. It seemed very at ease, so I gave it a go. I took a couple of shots with a 100mm lens, and then switched to the 200mm (which meant I could stay a little further away).

The badger was cautious, but cooperated for several minutes before ambling away.

Badger in the garden

Badger in the garden

Badger in the garden

Badger in the garden

I can see I’m going to be spending more time outside in the coming evenings.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.

Posted in Badger