Those of you that have known me for a while may remember Jess, my hedgehog. I say "my" hedgehog because in the summer, every night I would go out and talk to her and we became friends. I haven't seen her lately, but I know for a fact that she had some babies, and today, I met David, one of her children.

I was watching the birds in the garden when I noticed a little dark blob on the ground. It was David, eating slugs and things under the tree and scavenging fallen birdseed. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to greet him, so I put on my fleece and braved the wet and cold.

Crouched under the tree, I watched him for a little while. He didn't seem to mind me being there, but was a little curious. I asked if I could have a picture, and he accepted. I darted upstairs to get the digital camera and ran back out to find him waiting for me under the tree. He posed for me and gave my some decent shots, I think this was the best!

After five minutes of hard work, I stroked his spines gently and he rewarded me by not curling up or running away. I left him to eat his meal in peace and he soon returned to the hedge for warmth.

~.o