Trail camera

[Marigold]

Just got our lovely new trail camera. Eventually worked out how to set it up, no thanks to the instructions, and positioned it where we would be able to get pics of our hedgehogs emerging from under the summerhouse and feeding and drinking from the provisions so generously and expensively provided for them. Next day, took camera in and replayed, with bated breath - great excitement -

only to find that, this year at least, Ive been feeding a whole lot of bloody rats.

Have now stopped putting out the food. At least it will pay for itself, in time, as I won't be ordering any more.
Bit gutted, though. I have seen hedgehog droppings in the garden recently, and no rat poo, so now have to think what to do next.

 

[Tweetypie]

Oops, it did make me laugh when I first read this. Sorry Marigold. They're going to be so disappointed now their food festival is over....

 

[LadyA]

Oh dear. Sorry Marigold, but at least you now know, and can take steps! I removed my bird feeders a few years ago, for the same reason. The birds were dropping seed everywhere, and the rats were having a joyous feast!

 

[bigyetiman]

Not good news marigold. But we looked at our trail cam and 5 rats were partying on the lawn on Monday evening, hope that makes you feel a bit better

 

[chrismahon]

Two creatures we haven't got here are rabbits and rats- they were a massive problem in England. The ground is too hard and the soil too thin for rabbits to dig into and our terrier can smell a rat and goes into a hunting frenzy. Have wanted a trail camera for a while now Marigold because I know we have roe deer visit (bringing ticks) but I also think we have badgers? Interesting to see what else we have, like foxes going around the electrified enclosure?

 

[rick]

Trail cameras are great! Whatever you think is happening is usually informed differently! I have left a gap in the new wall at the base of the tree - to avoid the roots but also for any hedgehog that cares to use it.

 

[bigyetiman]

Our surprise was a boar wandering around the lake edge. Transpires that a few years ago before we moved here, a few boar escaped from the local slaughterhouse about a mile away and ended up living in the woods at the back of us which belongs to the next farm. The slaughter house kept it all hush hush and when you speak to Kevin he will say " I haven't a clue where they came from" Oh really.
watching the Barn and Tawny owl on it is always fun and we were delighted to see a Little Owl appear on it one afternoon

 

[Hen-Gen]

No rats or stoats here though they are on nearby islands. SNC have put up posters asking us to notify them if any of us see such a thing and they will come in with their eradication gear in order to ensure that the internationally famous bird colonies are protected. Also no foxes, badgers or mink either so chickens feel safe. Only the very occasional otter strike but these much prefer ducks.
We do however have hedgehogs. These are thought to be descendants of a few introduced ones and arouse strong feelings on both sides. Those like me want to see them gone. Others feed them and are opposed to any culling or translocation. What both sides agree on is that they exist in low numbers at present and so probably have minimal effects on the bird life compared to things like habitat destruction and predation by gulls, ravens and skuas.