steffi
@steffinie.bsky.social
I am unsure why I am here?
Perhaps this is my last resort.
I will resist calling it any kind of a paradise
Perhaps this is my last resort.
I will resist calling it any kind of a paradise
I don't take a lot of photographs when doing Dormouse Surveys, but this one was sent to me, by a colleague, from one of my surveys a few days ago
September 26, 2026 at 10:10 AM
I don't take a lot of photographs when doing Dormouse Surveys, but this one was sent to me, by a colleague, from one of my surveys a few days ago
Two more Dormouse surveys today
One site quite small n right next to the larger site but different landowners
Completing both together makes for a long morning
Today there were no Dormice or nests
Lots of signs of Wood Mice and Bank Voles feeding in boxes but no occupants
But Millions of Millipedes
One site quite small n right next to the larger site but different landowners
Completing both together makes for a long morning
Today there were no Dormice or nests
Lots of signs of Wood Mice and Bank Voles feeding in boxes but no occupants
But Millions of Millipedes
September 24, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Two more Dormouse surveys today
One site quite small n right next to the larger site but different landowners
Completing both together makes for a long morning
Today there were no Dormice or nests
Lots of signs of Wood Mice and Bank Voles feeding in boxes but no occupants
But Millions of Millipedes
One site quite small n right next to the larger site but different landowners
Completing both together makes for a long morning
Today there were no Dormice or nests
Lots of signs of Wood Mice and Bank Voles feeding in boxes but no occupants
But Millions of Millipedes
Another survey day
We have found very few Dormice across all 4 sites this year
But today at the newest site where we previously found our first n only Dormouse back in June, we today found numerous Dormouse nests spread across the entire site
And much to our delight, also found six Dormice : )
We have found very few Dormice across all 4 sites this year
But today at the newest site where we previously found our first n only Dormouse back in June, we today found numerous Dormouse nests spread across the entire site
And much to our delight, also found six Dormice : )
September 22, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Another survey day
We have found very few Dormice across all 4 sites this year
But today at the newest site where we previously found our first n only Dormouse back in June, we today found numerous Dormouse nests spread across the entire site
And much to our delight, also found six Dormice : )
We have found very few Dormice across all 4 sites this year
But today at the newest site where we previously found our first n only Dormouse back in June, we today found numerous Dormouse nests spread across the entire site
And much to our delight, also found six Dormice : )
Dormouse day and 3 of us out in the woods
Only 2 Dormice, 1 Male n 1 Female in the same box
Has been much quieter year than last season. Even the Wood Mice have been rare
But much of the years fruits have been very early or not at all
May make it hard for small souls to make it through the winter
Only 2 Dormice, 1 Male n 1 Female in the same box
Has been much quieter year than last season. Even the Wood Mice have been rare
But much of the years fruits have been very early or not at all
May make it hard for small souls to make it through the winter
September 20, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Dormouse day and 3 of us out in the woods
Only 2 Dormice, 1 Male n 1 Female in the same box
Has been much quieter year than last season. Even the Wood Mice have been rare
But much of the years fruits have been very early or not at all
May make it hard for small souls to make it through the winter
Only 2 Dormice, 1 Male n 1 Female in the same box
Has been much quieter year than last season. Even the Wood Mice have been rare
But much of the years fruits have been very early or not at all
May make it hard for small souls to make it through the winter
Yesterday we took a drive across the marshes to RSPB Dungeness
Many Birders there watching a Red-necked Phalarope, a rare visitor
But we decided to avoid the wind and sought shelter where we spent an hour or so filming numerous Painted Lady Butterflies, n watching Dragonflies hunting flying Aphids
Many Birders there watching a Red-necked Phalarope, a rare visitor
But we decided to avoid the wind and sought shelter where we spent an hour or so filming numerous Painted Lady Butterflies, n watching Dragonflies hunting flying Aphids
September 13, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Yesterday we took a drive across the marshes to RSPB Dungeness
Many Birders there watching a Red-necked Phalarope, a rare visitor
But we decided to avoid the wind and sought shelter where we spent an hour or so filming numerous Painted Lady Butterflies, n watching Dragonflies hunting flying Aphids
Many Birders there watching a Red-necked Phalarope, a rare visitor
But we decided to avoid the wind and sought shelter where we spent an hour or so filming numerous Painted Lady Butterflies, n watching Dragonflies hunting flying Aphids
Weird illness has prevented me from venturing out into the wilds for a couple of weeks, but I am bouncing back now
But I am not good at sitting still
So, took the time to start sorting timber to build a new set of Dormouse Nest Boxes, so that next year, we can replace Nest Tubes at the newest site
But I am not good at sitting still
So, took the time to start sorting timber to build a new set of Dormouse Nest Boxes, so that next year, we can replace Nest Tubes at the newest site
September 7, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Weird illness has prevented me from venturing out into the wilds for a couple of weeks, but I am bouncing back now
But I am not good at sitting still
So, took the time to start sorting timber to build a new set of Dormouse Nest Boxes, so that next year, we can replace Nest Tubes at the newest site
But I am not good at sitting still
So, took the time to start sorting timber to build a new set of Dormouse Nest Boxes, so that next year, we can replace Nest Tubes at the newest site
At one of the woodland sites I visit there is an Oak tree which contains a Wild Honey Bee Nest.
It has been there a number of years
For the first time, this year the Fungi, Chicken of the Woods has grown lower down the trunk below the nest hole
I am not a Fungi Forager, so will leave it be.
It has been there a number of years
For the first time, this year the Fungi, Chicken of the Woods has grown lower down the trunk below the nest hole
I am not a Fungi Forager, so will leave it be.
August 21, 2026 at 8:14 AM
At one of the woodland sites I visit there is an Oak tree which contains a Wild Honey Bee Nest.
It has been there a number of years
For the first time, this year the Fungi, Chicken of the Woods has grown lower down the trunk below the nest hole
I am not a Fungi Forager, so will leave it be.
It has been there a number of years
For the first time, this year the Fungi, Chicken of the Woods has grown lower down the trunk below the nest hole
I am not a Fungi Forager, so will leave it be.
Raining when I set out today to complete the last two Dormouse surveys for this month
Road diversion n by the time I arrived the sun was already drying the landscape rapidly
Just me at these two sites so takes a while but no Dormice today
Handful of Wood Mice, lots of Moths, Earwigs n Millipedes
Road diversion n by the time I arrived the sun was already drying the landscape rapidly
Just me at these two sites so takes a while but no Dormice today
Handful of Wood Mice, lots of Moths, Earwigs n Millipedes
August 20, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Raining when I set out today to complete the last two Dormouse surveys for this month
Road diversion n by the time I arrived the sun was already drying the landscape rapidly
Just me at these two sites so takes a while but no Dormice today
Handful of Wood Mice, lots of Moths, Earwigs n Millipedes
Road diversion n by the time I arrived the sun was already drying the landscape rapidly
Just me at these two sites so takes a while but no Dormice today
Handful of Wood Mice, lots of Moths, Earwigs n Millipedes
A bit cooler today n out in the woods again
This time with Lorna who is now training with me for her licence to monitor for Dormice
No Dormice found today, just a solitary Wood mouse
But we are still getting to know each other, n nice to spend some time just chatting as we wandered the woods
This time with Lorna who is now training with me for her licence to monitor for Dormice
No Dormice found today, just a solitary Wood mouse
But we are still getting to know each other, n nice to spend some time just chatting as we wandered the woods
August 18, 2026 at 1:01 PM
A bit cooler today n out in the woods again
This time with Lorna who is now training with me for her licence to monitor for Dormice
No Dormice found today, just a solitary Wood mouse
But we are still getting to know each other, n nice to spend some time just chatting as we wandered the woods
This time with Lorna who is now training with me for her licence to monitor for Dormice
No Dormice found today, just a solitary Wood mouse
But we are still getting to know each other, n nice to spend some time just chatting as we wandered the woods
I love juvenile garden birds that have yet to learn fear
Over the years it has mostly been Blackbirds, Robins n Dunnocks
Yesterday a young Blackbird sat by me n even had a power nap. I assume because it felt safe with me
This morning was with me again, even sitting between my feet whilst I worked
Over the years it has mostly been Blackbirds, Robins n Dunnocks
Yesterday a young Blackbird sat by me n even had a power nap. I assume because it felt safe with me
This morning was with me again, even sitting between my feet whilst I worked
August 17, 2026 at 1:19 PM
I love juvenile garden birds that have yet to learn fear
Over the years it has mostly been Blackbirds, Robins n Dunnocks
Yesterday a young Blackbird sat by me n even had a power nap. I assume because it felt safe with me
This morning was with me again, even sitting between my feet whilst I worked
Over the years it has mostly been Blackbirds, Robins n Dunnocks
Yesterday a young Blackbird sat by me n even had a power nap. I assume because it felt safe with me
This morning was with me again, even sitting between my feet whilst I worked
Three of us out today for another very hot morning in the woods
Lots of trees shedding leaves or visibly wilting
And ponds almost dried out
A handful of Wood Mice found, and a female Dormouse with just two young
We also saw a large Buzzard hunting, at no more than head height, between the trees
Lots of trees shedding leaves or visibly wilting
And ponds almost dried out
A handful of Wood Mice found, and a female Dormouse with just two young
We also saw a large Buzzard hunting, at no more than head height, between the trees
August 16, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Three of us out today for another very hot morning in the woods
Lots of trees shedding leaves or visibly wilting
And ponds almost dried out
A handful of Wood Mice found, and a female Dormouse with just two young
We also saw a large Buzzard hunting, at no more than head height, between the trees
Lots of trees shedding leaves or visibly wilting
And ponds almost dried out
A handful of Wood Mice found, and a female Dormouse with just two young
We also saw a large Buzzard hunting, at no more than head height, between the trees
Took a drive along the coast to a local nature reserve today
Had lunch in their cafe
Made a couple of purchases in the gift shop
And sat in the sunshine just chillin
Had lunch in their cafe
Made a couple of purchases in the gift shop
And sat in the sunshine just chillin
August 7, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Took a drive along the coast to a local nature reserve today
Had lunch in their cafe
Made a couple of purchases in the gift shop
And sat in the sunshine just chillin
Had lunch in their cafe
Made a couple of purchases in the gift shop
And sat in the sunshine just chillin
Back into the woods with Lorna today
Cutting a path through the last section of Brambles to place the final Nest Tubes
Next season we shall be replacing Tubes with Boxes
And we are hoping the landowner will allow the site to be registered on the NDMP, so any finds can be officially recorded
Cutting a path through the last section of Brambles to place the final Nest Tubes
Next season we shall be replacing Tubes with Boxes
And we are hoping the landowner will allow the site to be registered on the NDMP, so any finds can be officially recorded
August 6, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Back into the woods with Lorna today
Cutting a path through the last section of Brambles to place the final Nest Tubes
Next season we shall be replacing Tubes with Boxes
And we are hoping the landowner will allow the site to be registered on the NDMP, so any finds can be officially recorded
Cutting a path through the last section of Brambles to place the final Nest Tubes
Next season we shall be replacing Tubes with Boxes
And we are hoping the landowner will allow the site to be registered on the NDMP, so any finds can be officially recorded
Into the woods
Different site today, this one was originally set up by another with just a few Nest Tubes
But after I recently found a Dormouse there, we have put out more Tubes for now, n hopefully Boxes next year
No Dormice today, just a couple of Wood Mice
But still, I was out in the woods : )
Different site today, this one was originally set up by another with just a few Nest Tubes
But after I recently found a Dormouse there, we have put out more Tubes for now, n hopefully Boxes next year
No Dormice today, just a couple of Wood Mice
But still, I was out in the woods : )
July 30, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Into the woods
Different site today, this one was originally set up by another with just a few Nest Tubes
But after I recently found a Dormouse there, we have put out more Tubes for now, n hopefully Boxes next year
No Dormice today, just a couple of Wood Mice
But still, I was out in the woods : )
Different site today, this one was originally set up by another with just a few Nest Tubes
But after I recently found a Dormouse there, we have put out more Tubes for now, n hopefully Boxes next year
No Dormice today, just a couple of Wood Mice
But still, I was out in the woods : )
Day out in the woods but too hot for Dormice, n Wood Mice too it seems
Lost count of the many Underwing Moths waiting the day out in the boxes
Managed to get some undergrowth cut n a few boxes moved to new locations
And again, finished the day by the pond watching Dragonflies whilst cooling off
Lost count of the many Underwing Moths waiting the day out in the boxes
Managed to get some undergrowth cut n a few boxes moved to new locations
And again, finished the day by the pond watching Dragonflies whilst cooling off
July 29, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Day out in the woods but too hot for Dormice, n Wood Mice too it seems
Lost count of the many Underwing Moths waiting the day out in the boxes
Managed to get some undergrowth cut n a few boxes moved to new locations
And again, finished the day by the pond watching Dragonflies whilst cooling off
Lost count of the many Underwing Moths waiting the day out in the boxes
Managed to get some undergrowth cut n a few boxes moved to new locations
And again, finished the day by the pond watching Dragonflies whilst cooling off
Various have prevented me venturing into the wilds recently, n so been setting cams, seeing who's visiting me overnight
Mostly Foxes. Garden has always been popular with them
As many as 4 at a time on the cam
Also get Badgers, but just one sight, quickly passing by before the cam batteries failed
Mostly Foxes. Garden has always been popular with them
As many as 4 at a time on the cam
Also get Badgers, but just one sight, quickly passing by before the cam batteries failed
July 25, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Various have prevented me venturing into the wilds recently, n so been setting cams, seeing who's visiting me overnight
Mostly Foxes. Garden has always been popular with them
As many as 4 at a time on the cam
Also get Badgers, but just one sight, quickly passing by before the cam batteries failed
Mostly Foxes. Garden has always been popular with them
As many as 4 at a time on the cam
Also get Badgers, but just one sight, quickly passing by before the cam batteries failed
Out into the woods this morn
Small site with just 25 boxes
Dormice are pretty rare at this site, and no signs today
Plenty of Wood Mice and Underwing Moths, in the boxes
And for a while, I had a Buzzard circling low above me with it's distinctive Kee-Yah Mew
Again, found another dropped feather
Small site with just 25 boxes
Dormice are pretty rare at this site, and no signs today
Plenty of Wood Mice and Underwing Moths, in the boxes
And for a while, I had a Buzzard circling low above me with it's distinctive Kee-Yah Mew
Again, found another dropped feather
July 18, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Out into the woods this morn
Small site with just 25 boxes
Dormice are pretty rare at this site, and no signs today
Plenty of Wood Mice and Underwing Moths, in the boxes
And for a while, I had a Buzzard circling low above me with it's distinctive Kee-Yah Mew
Again, found another dropped feather
Small site with just 25 boxes
Dormice are pretty rare at this site, and no signs today
Plenty of Wood Mice and Underwing Moths, in the boxes
And for a while, I had a Buzzard circling low above me with it's distinctive Kee-Yah Mew
Again, found another dropped feather
Some of the Dormouse nest tubes from last year, we collected recently had not weathered well
So took them home for repairs
Back into the woods today to site the newly restored nest tubes
Was met on arrival by a Green Woodpecker
And watched a Buzzard soaring overhead n picked up a dropped feather
So took them home for repairs
Back into the woods today to site the newly restored nest tubes
Was met on arrival by a Green Woodpecker
And watched a Buzzard soaring overhead n picked up a dropped feather
July 10, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Some of the Dormouse nest tubes from last year, we collected recently had not weathered well
So took them home for repairs
Back into the woods today to site the newly restored nest tubes
Was met on arrival by a Green Woodpecker
And watched a Buzzard soaring overhead n picked up a dropped feather
So took them home for repairs
Back into the woods today to site the newly restored nest tubes
Was met on arrival by a Green Woodpecker
And watched a Buzzard soaring overhead n picked up a dropped feather
Another attempt at scanning with Bat detectors this evening
Even though there were many Moths, there was only the very briefest of Bat activity before going quiet again
But we did bump into a Fox down by the gateway
And also spotted a Badger watching us from the top end of the driveway : )
Even though there were many Moths, there was only the very briefest of Bat activity before going quiet again
But we did bump into a Fox down by the gateway
And also spotted a Badger watching us from the top end of the driveway : )
July 8, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Another attempt at scanning with Bat detectors this evening
Even though there were many Moths, there was only the very briefest of Bat activity before going quiet again
But we did bump into a Fox down by the gateway
And also spotted a Badger watching us from the top end of the driveway : )
Even though there were many Moths, there was only the very briefest of Bat activity before going quiet again
But we did bump into a Fox down by the gateway
And also spotted a Badger watching us from the top end of the driveway : )
Out with Lorna in the woods today, siting Dormouse nest tubes
We still have several more to put out, as we work our way around the area but we are over half way there
It was a gloriously sunny day alive with Bees, Butterflies n Moths
And nice to just sit for a while in the woods just chatting
We still have several more to put out, as we work our way around the area but we are over half way there
It was a gloriously sunny day alive with Bees, Butterflies n Moths
And nice to just sit for a while in the woods just chatting
July 7, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Out with Lorna in the woods today, siting Dormouse nest tubes
We still have several more to put out, as we work our way around the area but we are over half way there
It was a gloriously sunny day alive with Bees, Butterflies n Moths
And nice to just sit for a while in the woods just chatting
We still have several more to put out, as we work our way around the area but we are over half way there
It was a gloriously sunny day alive with Bees, Butterflies n Moths
And nice to just sit for a while in the woods just chatting
Decided to go into the woods on my own this morning
Cutting my way through Bramble patches so that we may get more Dormouse nest tubes placed tomorrow
Were a bit behind schedule n hoping my efforts today will make up for it
Managed to uncover many woodland plants beneath the growing wall of Brambles
Cutting my way through Bramble patches so that we may get more Dormouse nest tubes placed tomorrow
Were a bit behind schedule n hoping my efforts today will make up for it
Managed to uncover many woodland plants beneath the growing wall of Brambles
July 6, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Decided to go into the woods on my own this morning
Cutting my way through Bramble patches so that we may get more Dormouse nest tubes placed tomorrow
Were a bit behind schedule n hoping my efforts today will make up for it
Managed to uncover many woodland plants beneath the growing wall of Brambles
Cutting my way through Bramble patches so that we may get more Dormouse nest tubes placed tomorrow
Were a bit behind schedule n hoping my efforts today will make up for it
Managed to uncover many woodland plants beneath the growing wall of Brambles
Today, a brief visit to the Romney Marshes. Newts and Lizards
Earlier this evening, Zoom meeting for the community, hoping to re-boot the local Badger group
After dark, out into the garden scanning for Bats... unsuccessfully
But plenty of very noisy foxes at the end of the garden
Earlier this evening, Zoom meeting for the community, hoping to re-boot the local Badger group
After dark, out into the garden scanning for Bats... unsuccessfully
But plenty of very noisy foxes at the end of the garden
July 3, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Today, a brief visit to the Romney Marshes. Newts and Lizards
Earlier this evening, Zoom meeting for the community, hoping to re-boot the local Badger group
After dark, out into the garden scanning for Bats... unsuccessfully
But plenty of very noisy foxes at the end of the garden
Earlier this evening, Zoom meeting for the community, hoping to re-boot the local Badger group
After dark, out into the garden scanning for Bats... unsuccessfully
But plenty of very noisy foxes at the end of the garden
Morning in the woods, setting out Dormouse nest tubes with Lorna
They were placed last year but we collected them up last week to relocate
Unfortunately we did not get as much done as hoped, as we were beaten by a wall of Brambles
We will return next week with suitable tools and grim determination
They were placed last year but we collected them up last week to relocate
Unfortunately we did not get as much done as hoped, as we were beaten by a wall of Brambles
We will return next week with suitable tools and grim determination
July 1, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Morning in the woods, setting out Dormouse nest tubes with Lorna
They were placed last year but we collected them up last week to relocate
Unfortunately we did not get as much done as hoped, as we were beaten by a wall of Brambles
We will return next week with suitable tools and grim determination
They were placed last year but we collected them up last week to relocate
Unfortunately we did not get as much done as hoped, as we were beaten by a wall of Brambles
We will return next week with suitable tools and grim determination
Yesterday, visited a local nature reserve
Ok to be honest visited their cafe for lunch
But in my defence it was really hot n sometimes all you really want is ice cream
Also, because of the weather and possible effect on any wildlife present, I am going to forgo my nest box checks for a while : (
Ok to be honest visited their cafe for lunch
But in my defence it was really hot n sometimes all you really want is ice cream
Also, because of the weather and possible effect on any wildlife present, I am going to forgo my nest box checks for a while : (
June 26, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Yesterday, visited a local nature reserve
Ok to be honest visited their cafe for lunch
But in my defence it was really hot n sometimes all you really want is ice cream
Also, because of the weather and possible effect on any wildlife present, I am going to forgo my nest box checks for a while : (
Ok to be honest visited their cafe for lunch
But in my defence it was really hot n sometimes all you really want is ice cream
Also, because of the weather and possible effect on any wildlife present, I am going to forgo my nest box checks for a while : (