Shortly after my last blog on the progress of the orphaned hoglet it was decided that he could be signed off ready for release. As he was admitted at just over a week old the hedgehog now just needed a suitable location with a short period of support feeding.
I thought it would be wonderful to carry out the release in my own garden so I may still be able to occasionally see him. So, that day after work the hedgehog came home with me and I left him in an open skipper with a bit of food to start exploring his new environment when he was ready. Watching from a distance I saw him tuck into the food before wondering off into the big wide world.
However the story does not end there! Keen to see the hedgehog again I set up a special sensor camera that is triggered by movement. I was hoping to capture him on film eating the support food I was putting out for him in the evenings. As usual the food disappeared, so I was very excited about checking the footage, however, I was a little surprised to see that it was not a hedgehog that was scoffing the food but a very intelligent and healthy looking magpie! This magpie was obviously not going to pass up on the opportunity of an easy meal !!
I will continue to keep an eye out for the hedgehog in my garden but I am guessing he has probably now moved on. I just hope he has taken well to his new life back in the wild.
By Michelle Bite
Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery
To donate to Stapeley text and our orphans: STAP70 £2 or £5 to 70070
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