In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve got this thing about badgers! Perhaps it’s because I can identify with the badger’s nature; wary, elusive and slightly aggressive when cornered. Perhaps it’s because the badger is a true ancient native of the British woodland. It’s not been introduced or re-introduced and was certainly here in excess of 250,000 years ago. Perhaps I can symapthise with the way the Badger has been persecucted over the last few centuries. Perhaps, its because I’ve never actually seen a badger in the wild except for a fleeting glimpse crossing a road. I read about them, draw them but unsucessfully watch them.
I’ve had a few excursions over the last couple of years where I’ve specifically gone out to watch badgers, and while I’ve known them to be in the area, they’ve cleverly and cunningly eluded me!
Last Friday, I left the calm of the wood at about 6pm and ventured into the wind-swept open field which would be my observation point about 20 meters away from two of the forward facing sett entrances, which are embedded into a large bank of earth 5 yards high by about 100 yards long. Conditions weren’t bad. The wind was strong and noisy enough to cover some of my own sounds and at least there was no rain. The sun had dipped on one horizon and the moon was just an hour from rising on the other so there was reasonable visibility, although not perfect. I laid out the bivi bag and laid myself down, pulling up the collar of my jacket against the cold wind.
Having watched on a previous occasion for in excess of 4 hours, I settled in for the long wait. Already, my mind was beginning wander.
Half an hour later I spotted movement. A shadow perhaps? I strained my ears against the noise of the wind but there was nothing. I deliberately looked away and then back to the spot, trying not to strain my eyes and trying to tell them not to register something that wasn’t really there.
Nothing.
I relaxed and started thinking about the fire I was going to build when I got back to the wood. What’s that? I took in a sharp intake of breath and instantly held it. Silhouetted right on the top of the bank directly in front of me …a badger! No mistake, no hallucinations. The shape was clear and the pointed nose was in profile. It had frozen as I had frozen. A badger. I couln’t help saying it over and over in my mind. I couldn’t make out any details of the fur. I couldn’t even properly see the stripy face, but there it was. Meles meles. It stayed in the same position for a good 20 seconds looking around and then it waddled down to one of the sett entrances. It disappeared into a hole set deep in between the two entrances which were facing me.
I was elated. Eventually I let out my breath. Torch, camera…I hadn’t even thought of them. Another movement slightly further along the top of the bank to my right moving towards me. 
Another badger! Again it was silhouetted against the skyline. It must have come out of one of the entrances further along the bank. This time the badger didn’t stop and waddled straight into the entrance where the first badger had disappeared. It seemed in no great hurry. I snapped a picture, but I know I was just too late (as the photo shows.)
I waited and waited for another 45 minutes, but the cold got the better of me and there was no sign of any more. I headed back to the woods. I had seen two badgers – not clearly in glorious detail, but badgers nontheless.
Pablo.
Tags: mammals
Welcome.
This is the home of Woodlife. You will find links to Pablos Woodlife (blog) the Woodlife Social Network (forum) and Woodlife Trails (courses) all on this page.
Great adventure – how about trying one of those motion-activated digital cameras? A lot of outdoors places have cheap ones. Also, we collectively (all of us) demand that you show us more pictures that you’ve drawn…
Cheers,
Mungo
Maybe it is some sort of totem animal for you?
Congrats Pablo! I’ve been lucky enough to stumble upon Badgers on paths a couple of times. Its the deer that eludes me.
Sounds great. Definitely have to show us more of your drawings .
Hi Mr P
Yet another great and interesting blog, keep up the good work!
This snippet of info may help next time you fancy watching one of natures most endearing mammals.
Best to get into position a good hour & half before sunset to give yourself time to settle down and get your eye in. As for the weather conditions a time when there is only a little or no wind, there is nothing more nervey for these creatures, or any who have enemys for that matter than strong, gusty wind, as it prevents them using their number one sense..hearing and keeping them one step ahead of any possible trouble.
Another good tip I have heard of, is to leave the kit you are going to be watching in outside the day before, helps to get rid of the very obvious human odour!
Hope you don’t think I am trying to teach a granny to suck eggs! but just thought a bit more info may put the chance of seeing tham in your favour. Good hunting
Regard
Sailor
Thank you all for the comments.
Sailor – I’m always after as many tips as possbile. Thanks for yours.
Sam – perhaps I should look into this totem animal business a little more.
Silverback & Mungo – More drawings? Perhaps.
Asley – My next vid is a Deer tracking video. Just to rub it in!!
Wow Pablo,
Getting that close to the badger and observing them in there natural surroundings is something special.
Maybe you should get some of those goverment “heads” to come with you the next time and see the animals, get them to think twice about a cull.
Thanks Again Pablo love the site and the blogs
By Barkfoot
I share you’re frustration at trying to photogragh badgers. I know their sets, their paths, hangouts, I see their tracks but are they ever around to see? Most times that I encounter them is late at night when drivng down quiet lanes with the spotlights on.
The other day I came across one during daylight, trotting down the lane. I sruggled with my rucksack, fought with my camera bag, and fiddled with the ‘on’ switch. Too late, he was through a hole in the hedge and gone. One day….
Hi there Pablo
Enjoying your website. About badger watching. Successful this end in our local wood in South Downs area in East Sussex. Thought you might like to know some tips I know help.
- Don’t appear in the area smelling of soap/toothpaste/deoderant etc. This means washing with plain non scented soap, cleaning teeth not less than a couple of hours before going out, to avoid badger picking up scent of you. Also, avoid mints/chewing gum etc
- Wash clothing to be worn for badger spotting with plain washing powder but prior to this run an empty load in the washing machine with 2 to 3 cups of baking powder. This rids machine of smells.Do not use fabric conditioner or brighteners. After washing clothes, and drying outdoors, put gear in sealed plastic bag until required, to avoid household smells.Naturally if you are outdoors, the camp fire smoke smell on clothing is fine.Ultimate help in the scent department is to locate the badgers’ latrines and tread in them.
- Cover hands as they will shine out. Wear natural colours, drab not bright.
- I find dusk is the best time. I take up my position and wait patiently, quietly and calmly. I think if you are not relaxed you will make your presence apparent, which you do not want to do.
- When out, look for regular runs that the badgers use. For a successful watch, always avoid being out in the open. Make sure you are sitting, either up a tree above a regular area, or sitting in silhouette with a tree, so the landscape looks no different to the badgers. They know the territory like the backs of their paws, so will soon suss out if there is a new shape in the environment.If necessary lie down. I have on many occasions sat within arm’s reach of badgers who seem oblivious to me as I have not changed their surroundings.I sometimes leave food on the runs such as fruit, or wild food, whatever is around for the time of year. This gives time for you to have a good study, and take photos. I have photographed and video recorded these animals and it has not phased them. I have used a torch to watch with no problem to the badgers, maybe it seems like moonlight!
Keep up the good work
Regards