Hazel dormouse

I have started my newest illustrated talk and have chosen British mammals as the subject. I have was therefore delighted when a friend running a dormouse survey course asked for some images. We visited his survey area in Gloucestershire and as well as photographing habitat, feeding signs, boxes and handling techniques I was also lucky enough to have this little beauty pose for me.

A tricky subject!

With one thing and another I have been struggling to get any camera time of late so in desperation have been working on the only subject that can be done after my kids have gone to bed and without leaving home! My garden attracts up to three pipistrelles each night but they are very erratic, flying at different heights and only coming into view once they break the skyline. With no specialist kit, getting them in the shot, in focus and adequately lit has been a virtually impossible task. I shall be persevering however and enjoying these delightful little animals as they zip about feeding up before winter.