Now is time to see night animals by day

MOST people interested in wildlife are more familiar with birds than with animals. This is because most of our bird species are active during the day and sleep at night, while our wild mammals tend to be wholly or partially nocturnal.

Because the latitude of our island is more than 50 degrees north, we have great opportunities for observing nocturnal creatures in daylight, at the middle of the year. For the next eight to ten weeks, the nights will be too short for nocturnal animals to get enough food and they will emerge well before dusk and stay active until well after dawn. So, if you’re interested in the creatures of the night that inhabit your neighbourhood, now is the time to plan an expedition to watch them in daylight.

Badgers are one of our most fascinating large mammals, and one of the species most committed to the nocturnal lifestyle. There is a bonus to watching badgers in mid-summer — you might see a sow with young cubs. Most baby animals are endearing, and baby badgers particularly so.