A visiting badger ambles away into the night

As night was closing in I was eating a late supper at the dining table, listening to a podcast and reading news on the BBC website. I suddenly noticed ’something' and looked to my left through the double-glazed sliding doors leading out onto the steps down to the patio and garden.

An animal, which I first thought was a large dog was sniffing about between plant pots. I then realised it was a badger hunting for worms under and around the pots, which seems to be one of their favoured grazing places.

There was no time to get a camera but my phone was on the table. I quickly grabbed it opened the camera app, and tried to get focus in the gloom. Unfortunately none of the settings were ideal and the slow shutter speed didn’t do any favours. But at least I had the whole animal in the frame as it sidled away to go back into the garden, and is a fine memento. Normally i’m at my desk when I hear a badger outside scampering about this area. One day I’ll be properly prepared and get a good shot.