The camera that we set up to look under the feeders in the bad weather in case unusual birds turned up has captured something unexpected.

So, perhaps the feeder needs lifting up.

Another camera looking along the cliff edge has captured more badger mating. Its all really rather aggressive and the male has a firm hold with his teeth on the scruff of the females neck throughout which surely has to be uncomfortable.

All this is leading to the end result of cubs to be born next January – any fertilised egg will not implant until the Autumn.

Meanwhile, the female already has this years cubs yet make an appearance above ground. But evidence of their existence is shown by her obvious teats as she fed on the peanuts last night:

 

More frogspawn has hatched in the pond:

Masses and masses of tadpoles of which a very small percentage will make it through to frogs. The rest make up an important part of the food chain of the pond.

The weather has been mild and calm here today. We have still not yet seen a butterfly, but the Skylarks are singing on high, the bumblebees are buzzing and British Summertime has now commenced.