Words by Peter Hanscomb

I love nothing more than getting out into the great outdoors with my camera. Sometimes returning home with a plethora of stunning images ( in my dreams anyway )  and sometimes having not even switched the camera on . For me the main joy is just being out and about immersed in nature. It doesn’t matter if it’s watching Kingfishers catching fish or one of my local foxes , running off with an egg from the end of my drive.

Nature , the animals are for me the most important element of my photographic passion, one reason so much of this photography blog is dedicated to them.  I guess I’m  the same as most other wildlife photographer’s, I want to continue to improve my photography, and as my friend Bob Brind-Surch often says , the best way to improve your wildlife shots is to spend time getting to know your subject.

If you regularly visit wildonline then you will know that 2018 must have been the year of the Hedgehog. Hog Cam , our new sponsor Spikes World , the Hedgehog houses in my garden and the arrival of Grumpy and Happy  , the two rescue Hedgehogs who will be living with us until their release later this year.

2018 has been a great year for my developing knowledge of all things Hog. I would never claim to be an expert , far from it and having rescue Hedgehogs has been a very short,  sharp learning curve . However my knowledge has grown together with a greater empathy for our little spiked garden visitors.

Ever keen to understand the hedgehog and increase my knowledge I came across a book on line , Hedgehog by Pat Morris . If your love hedgehogs this is definitely the book for you.

Four hundred and four pages dedicated to the life of the hedgehog , from an expert author and naturalist covering every aspect of hedgehog life . I can honestly say that I can’t put this book down at the moment and it’s been an invaluable source of information and reference whilst trying to understand my two little house guests.

Will it improve my Hedgehog photography, only time will tell but it’s definitely improved my understanding of this little Mammal and reconfirmed my love and respect for hedgehog

Hedgehog by Pat Morris

available in

hardback                978-0-00-823570-3

and paperback      978-0-00-823573-4

NASHER AND THE CAT

So what happens when a fox comes across a cat stealing his dinner ? Not a lot actually. A brief stand off before the cat sensibly retreats. Foxes get a lot of bad press, yes they can be a problem for farmers and yes they are an apex hunter here in the UK . However […]

by phans66 October 6, 2021

THE NUT STORE

Does anyone know this squirrel ? Last seen on Tuesday afternoon trying to break into the Nut Store here at Wild HQ. Description, short and furry , wearing a grey hooded top . Obviously one smart squirrel who’s figured out where the nuts keep coming from……. you might also like…..

by phans66 October 5, 2021

Meet the Model – Brian the Badger

Badger Say hello to Brian the Badger (Meles Meles) Despite being rarely seen during daylight hours ,Badgers are easily recognisable and widespread on the British mainland. The low set animal has a solid frame , black and white striped face with grey body hair and a lighter underside.With an average weight of 15 kg the Badger […]

by phans66 October 5, 2021