Sean's Wildlife Watch

Garden wildlife expert Sean McMenemy enjoys the sights and sounds of night activity as summer draws to a close

- SEAN MCMENEMY

It's night-time, and I'm sitting on the top step under a shimmering full moon. My skin is tingling with the energy of the world around me. Life is so bountiful.

The mild summer with plentiful rain has seemingly suited the animals in my garden as much as the plants. Endless weeding maybe, but the buzz of bees and number of butterflies is intoxicating.

I'm sitting here at night because the cloudless sky and full moon allows me to see, and the night garden does not disappoint.

The full moon has stimulated the most amazing number of moths, which in turn attract multiple bats, who zig-zag quartering the garden as they hunt on the wing.

I've a family of five foxes on the lawn who get jumpy and agitated when Mr Badger comes along. Prickly hedgehogs scurry around the border edges unconcerned, safe in their protective coats.

Woodmice abound and the foxes keep a close eye on these in the hope one will stray too close and become a crunchy snack!

In the oak, a tawny owl hoots its presence, waiting for the foxes to move on. This is his regular perch as he knows there are mice on the menu from this vantage point.

As well as abundance, September is also a month of transition. I frequently look out for the subtle (and not so subtle) clues.

Dew starts appearing in the morning. Foxes can be heard barking. Spiders appear in sinks and baths. Birds stop singing. Leaves turn yellow, and of course it gets dark early!

Birds are fortunate because they can fly. Long before winter arrives, many simply fly off to warmer places. Even a few butterflies and moths will migrate this way.

Land-based creatures may also be forced to move to pastures new, seeking change. First light on an autumn road may sadly reveal a higher number of victims than usual.

Badgers, foxes, deer and even hedgehogs end up as unfortunate casualties,