A Look Back over July

 

An August Update for the HogBlog...

It;s always good to start with a picture, and here's a rare colour image of Seymour, captured by our main Trailcam on the 21st July at 4.49 am.  Granted, it's just a back view, but as the cameras tend to capture more of those than of anything else, it does, at least, show daylight activity.  It's possible that the dire weather has caused some adaptation of the hogs' behaviour.  Or perhaps someone just stayed up late that day...

The July weather, while a washout for humans, did not seem to bother the hogs.  During this time, several visits were made by at least two, more likely three or even four hedgehogs - although Sal, the potentially pregnant hog, made far fewer visits and when she reappeared, was far less bulky than previously.

The installation in a sheltered spot of a purpose-built Hedgehog Hut was installed early in July, and a secondary trailcam installed with views of the entrance.  It was hoped that a pregnant hog might find it an appealing shelter, but all sensible mother hogs will have already got their homes ready long before actually needed.  

The hogs do just seem to wander past on their nightly wanderings at the moment, but at least they're not worried about the new structure.  

Perhaps if the weather improves later in the year, there could be second litters and therefore more need for a HogHut...

There's a New Hog on the Block...

...and he's been causing quite a stir...  

As can be seen from this image, this hog is undoubtedly a male, which at least makes for easy identification, but he seems to have a rather different temperament than some Seymour and Sal...

The first evidence for this hedgehog came while Seymour was feeding and New Hog made his presence known; before watching the video, please be aware that this is, apparently, natural behaviour. 

Moreover, no hedgehogs were injured in the making of this video; Seymour recovered from the surprise very quickly, and has visited again on subsequent nights.  He is feeding well and looks healthy and strong.

More next time from the HogBlog