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Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Badger

A few years ago a very good friend invited me to photograph the badgers in his garden. I sat on his veranda with a floodlight on and as you can see it was pouring with rain. I hadn't sat there for long when this badger appreared just a few feet from me to sample a mixture of peanut and oats.
Totally ignoring me he got stuck into his meal, the oats now  turning to mush due to the pouring rain.
The bowl was almost at my feet but it didn't seem to bother him.
When he had finished he glanced up at me with a satisfied look on his face as much to say 'I enjoyed that'. 
I learned a lot that evening about animal behaviour. There is no such thing as taming a wild animal, it's trust.
Getting a wild animal to trust you is easy if you have time and patience. Regular meetings with a titbit in your pocket and they soon learn that you can be trusted. I have succeded with a number of creatures including birds. At the moment I am working with foxes, hedgehogs and a pair of blackbirds.
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6 comments:

  1. Breathtaking28 February 2017 at 08:14

    Good morning Mike!:)Nice to see you again,:) and thank you for calling by. Yes it's been a long time, but I just couldn't cope most days,...however, I'll see how it goes.
    You took some great shots of the Badger, and what a privilege to get so close to one. I couldn't agree more about trust, ...I have had birds taking food from my open hand, and those are very special moments. Can't wait to see if the foxes learn to trust you. All the best, and good luck.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood1 March 2017 at 00:29

      I am sorry to hear of your ailments, they can have a major effect on ones lifestyle. Thank you for your comments, Take care, Mike.

      Delete
  2. Ana Mínguez Corella28 February 2017 at 09:11

    Ohhh adorable.. We call in Spain Tejón.. :-)))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood1 March 2017 at 00:33

      Thank you Ana, My friend moved shortly after so I lost the chance of more visits. Take care, Mike.

      Delete
  3. Happy When I'm Outside8 March 2017 at 18:09

    Brilliant photos Mike, very cute. I hope to be getting some shots of my very own badgers soon!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mike Attwood8 March 2017 at 23:44

    The badger is my favourite animal. I am looking for a sett locally.

    ReplyDelete

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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.