Of Owls, Larks and Hedgehogs
By Kerry Williams
Communications Officer - Conservation
I’ve always been a night owl. I spent my childhood howling in resistance at those who dared tell me it was bedtime. I would read until 2am and be virtually dragged from my bed for school in the morning.
Despite what my mother says, it’s a real thing. We are genetically predisposed to different chronotypes associated with our circadian rhythm. There are owls (those who wake and sleep later), larks (those who wake and sleep earlier) and ambivalent (those who are more adaptable to sleep pattern changes).
I used to long to wake up earlier and make the best of the day. Especially as a keen birder it would be advantageous. If I ever do it’s glorious. The air is different in early morning. There’s so much light, so much time. But there are perks to the night too. It’s quiet; everyone else is asleep. It’s peaceful and less distracting. And the best bit, of course, is watching nocturnal animals.
I live with another owl. Together, we slink about the local nature reserve at dusk. Hushed tones to fit in. Eyes adjusting to the perceived blackness. There is rarely anyone else around. The damp smell of the reedbeds seems stronger than in the day. The gravel and parched grass crunch louder underfoot. The world feels bigger somehow, yet more tranquil.
We detect dancing bats who whizz past our faces, saving us from nibbling evening midges. We walk directly past Rabbits on meadow buffets, who barely look up to note us. We take in pre-roosting bird calls; Reed Warbler, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, and skyward silhouettes of those returning for the night; gulls, corvids, a Peregrine. A Fox on patrol stops to watch us with an air of disdain; ‘It’s my turn now’.
Once we’re out of the reserve we stop at the usual spot, at the usual time, and wait. Then we see it. Squat legs, a busy snout and about 5,000 spines scuttle across the car park and along the kerbside dandelions. The Hedgehog crosses the road; it’s not busy but it’s still a risky game, and I once flagged down a startled mini-bus driver to allow for safe hog passage. The Hedgehog continues along a footpath, and through a fence hole cut by kind urban wildlife heroes.
These sightings feel like treats to which few of us are party. I’ve not only accepted my night time owl form; I completely embrace it. Just don’t ask me to make plans before midday.
Comments
Another lovely article Kerry – you write beautifully. I’m definitely an owl but my wife Lin is a lark. Nonetheless we manage to find a few hours each day when we’re both up! Kind Regards David
24 Jul 2025 10:33:00
Such a lovely article, thank you😊
24 Jul 2025 10:34:00
Short and sweet – a lovely article. Thank you.
24 Jul 2025 10:40:00
You write so beautifully, Kerry. Thank you from one owl to another 🦉
24 Jul 2025 12:06:00
Beautiful description of dusk wonders. Especially love your verbal picture of the hedgehog in danger!! Thank you.
24 Jul 2025 12:08:00
Love this thank you, there is something magical about a night time stroll in the countryside. Can’t beat camping for that experience 😊
24 Jul 2025 13:05:00
Brilliant article – most inspiring :-)
24 Jul 2025 15:01:00
You write so beautifully, Kerry. Thank you from one owl to another 🦉
24 Jul 2025 15:20:00
Good essay
24 Jul 2025 18:40:00
So lucky to be surrounded by so much beautiful nature. I so wish I could encourage a hedgehog into my garden. I’ve left a safe passage between garden fences & plenty of foliage for him/her to hide but no luck. Any suggestions for anything else I could do? Thanks for your article.
25 Jul 2025 07:53:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Hi there. Thank you for doing that. It can take time & it does depend what else there is around you. Here's some helpful info https://sussexwildlifetrust.or...
Really enjoyed your article. I am the lark in our house, my husband definitely is the owl, however during this summer I have got my bat box out to listen to the bats feeding. Such amazing creatures, i felt there were two types charging past our house, though I only really know the frequency for the pips. fabulous evenings.
26 Jul 2025 13:18:00
So lovely to hear from another night owl – who as a result also has the dilemma of wasting the day by the need to catch up sleep – I so wish we didn’t need sleep at all!
I haven’t really considered going on a night hike but your reference to a “local nature reserve” has made me start wondering….🤔 Do you have some suggestions of some such suitable locations, please?
Many thanks and kind regards
27 Jul 2025 18:09:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Here is a list of our reserves. If you join as a member, you get a book about them all! https://sussexwildlifetrust.or...
Such a lovely article, thank you😊
27 Jul 2025 22:40:00
The photos are lovely, particularly the one of the tawny owl – it’s a cracking shot.
11 Aug 2025 08:53:00