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Friday 29 January 2021

Freedom for Badgers

Many moons ago I was invited by a friend to watch badgers on a local reserve. I jumped at the chance as it was a privilage to be admitted out of hours. He had scattered some peanuts in front of the hide. I set up auto-flashes that would fire at a signal from my camera, so I sat and waited and what an evening it turned out to be. When they appeared I thought the flashes would scare them off but to my surprise they were totally ignored. One came so close a board was missing by Jacque's foot and she felt it brush her ankle.


My camera equipment then was no where near the standard it is today so I was delighted with the results I got. I believe it was a 100m lens I was using so you can see they got very close and we were totally ignored.
I am afraid this event was a one-off and I never had the chance of repeating it. I have dedicated this post to the news that the government have decided to abolish the badger cull and vaccinate instead. I have put out a feast in my garden this evening for the badgers so they can celebrate.
Thankyou Jake.

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12 comments:

  1. Breathtaking29 January 2021 at 11:09

    Hello Mike,:=) Firstly What wonderful news! I hated the culling of badgers. I feel like celebrating too!! What a thrilling experience you had, and I think your photos are fine captures of this lovely creature.

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    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood29 January 2021 at 23:55

      It certainly is wonderful news. I am now going all out to welcome badgers to my garden. I have many badger photo's on file so perhaps you will see some more. Stay safe Sonjia.
      Mike.

      Delete
  2. waldlaeufer68 Frank Scholtyssek31 January 2021 at 06:22

    Hi Mike
    Although they are so shy, you got nice pictures, I haven't had the chance to photograph a badger wildlife yet, but when I was taking pictures of a fox I saw a badger come out of the burrow and I thought wow, finally I can photograph a badger ... but he just looked out and he was gone again .. ;-))
    Greetings Frank

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood1 February 2021 at 00:28

      Hello Frank,
      Badgers are shy but once they get to know you they are amazingly sociable. I spend a little time putting food down at the exact same spot every night and then they may even come out to greet you. What ever food you put down (peanuts, biscuits etc.) handle it well so they can get your scent. Do this often and stay quiet till they arrive, I had one climb over my foot and another sat at my feet to eat peanuts. Good luck and stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  3. Lasse31 January 2021 at 15:42

    Hi Mike, Congratulations to these adventure. Not so easy to get good photos of badgers but you did very well !!

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    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood1 February 2021 at 00:38

      Hello Lasse,
      I have found that with most wildlife you have to get them to trust you. Over the years I have had many encounters with wild creatures where trust has been a major feature. Stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  4. Phil Slade3 February 2021 at 07:59

    You were fortunate indeed to receive that invitation Mike. I would love that chance to get those pictures and to be so close to badgers as to touch them.

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    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood4 February 2021 at 00:17

      Indeed I was Phil, my lucky day. It happened again as you will see.
      Mike.

      Delete
  5. Ken.3 February 2021 at 10:51

    Hi Mike. What can I say. What I wouldn't give to be able to see Badgers up close. You say about your camera equipment, well it certainly did you proud.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood4 February 2021 at 00:22

      Hi Ken,
      It certainly was an experience to be repeated as you will see.
      Stay safe.
      Mike.

      Delete
  6. Richard Pegler3 February 2021 at 20:44

    Those are great shots of the Badgers, Mike. I hadn't picked up that the Badger Cull had been abandonned - I'm absolutely delighted to hear it.

    Stay safe - - - Richard

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood4 February 2021 at 00:29

      I am not sure yet if its official but with Boris's lady behind it I am sure it will happen. Fingers crossed. Stay safe Richard.
      Mike.

      Delete

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Mike Attwood - Photographer

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About Me

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Evacuated during the second world war to a village in Yorkshire where I lived in the home of a good photographer for more than five years who taught me the basics and a great deal about nature. Well past retirement age I have been a wildlife photographer for more than 30 years. Red Kites have been my speciality for much of this period. I did spend several years snapping wheelchair athletes and organizing the British Road Race Championship. In the year 2000 I was awarded a distinction by the Royal Photographic Society for my portfolio on wheelchair athletes. Most of my pics are digital, using Sony cameras and Sigma lenses. I used to spend many weeks each year with friends in Wales which is close to the Elan Valleys where I got many of my raptor pics. I now get these pictures more closely to home, specially red kites and peregrines. I support my pension by selling my pics, cards, coasters, fridge magnets and key rings etc. at craft fairs, something I wish I had done much earlier in life. I give illustrated talks to clubs and societies on wildlife and other branches of photography that I have been involved in.