"And in amongst his Prickles"

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A quick follow up to yesterdays 'wildlife' bit.

I raked around in boxes upstairs and found last years photos of the baby hedgehogs.

They built their 'nest' in the border nearest the back door so it was not too difficult to sit and listen for the rustling to indicate that they were on the move.

First two little fellows came out to investigate the plate of cat-food that I had put out .

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And then their fellow brothers or sisters joined in the feast.

No sign of proud Mrs Tiggywinkle.

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Lets hope they don't end up squashed on the road.

A Hedgehog cannot make you laugh,

Whistle, dance or sing,

And he ain't much to look at,

And he don't make anything,

And in amongst his prickles,

There's fleas and bugs and that,

But there ain't no need to leave him,

Squashed. And dead. And flat.

Another gem from Pam Ayres.

The Chilterns are home to many Red Kites. They have been breeding in large numbers since their re-introduction some years ago. I have them overhead everyday and have managed to entice them down into the garden for food scraps. But one thing I have never seen, is one settle.

They seem to be on the wing all the time.

Well, on Friday I looked out and there was one settled on top of my conifer at the bottom of the garden.

Dashed in, grabbed the camera, crept back outside and just as I raised the camera, it took off. (I pressed the shutter before it had time to focus - sorry about that - foiled again).

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Let's spare a thought for Red Kites,

And spare a thought for me.

Let's spare a thought for hedgehogs,

As you drink your cup of tea.

Spare a thought for hedgehogs,

Hoverin' on the brinkt,

Spare a thought for hedgehogs,

Lest they become extinct.

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