Wildlife photography enthusiast Simon Dell discovered a charming mouse family frolicking in his garden. Rather than resorting to traps, he opted for a different approach. Dell crafted a tiny village for the mice, and in return, they expressed their gratitude by posing for endearing animal photography.
“I was out one day just taking photos of the birds in the garden and having just cut the grass I noticed something moving on the ground,” Simon told Bored Panda. “I pointed my camera at the ground and was shocked but very happy to see a very cute little house mouse standing up just like a meerkat in the fresh cut grass.”
He visited his nearest DIY and crafting store to acquire the necessary tools.
Observing the small family, he felt compelled to construct a mouse mansion specifically for them.
Two adult mice were seen exploring the grass, accompanied by their adorable tiny offspring. As a wildlife photographer, Simon’s desire was to capture images of them. However, their shyness made it challenging, and his camera couldn’t get close enough.
Hoping to capture beautiful pictures, Simon aimed to build a home for the mice in the expectation that they would stay.
Fortunately, he immediately set to work and crafted something truly exquisite. The mice likely felt as though they had stumbled upon a five-star hotel.
He went the extra mile by constructing multiple floors and a ladder, providing them with ample space to live and play.
Ensuring a balance of fun and practicality, he placed their home by the water, ensured a constant food supply, and included a playground for the little one.
Simon is undeniably a resourceful individual; he ingeniously fashioned a section of the residence using leftover materials—something the mice residing there surely appreciate.
Having officially embraced this trio into his backyard abode, the photographer decided it was time to bestow names upon his newfound tenants.
In their splendid wooden abode, Mildred, Georgy, and baby Mini are experiencing immense joy.
On specific celebratory occasions, Simon goes all out in adorning the entire space and treating his trio of rodent companions to a lavish feast of delightful treats.
This affords him the chance to indulge in his passion: capturing images of animals in their environment, even if it’s a unique setup he personally crafted.
Occasionally, concern creeps into his thoughts regarding the well-being of his newfound companions.
“Knowing there are cats just over the fence I thought I would give them a little more safety, so collected some logs and made them a log pile home,” he mentioned. “The mice are very trusting and know I mean them no harm. I love nature so am happy to live alongside such cute creatures.”
Certainly, one undeniable fact is that this trio of individuals is well and truly looked after.
“I saw the opportunity to take some nice photos,” he said. “At the same time, giving the mice a nice home and a safe place to live. I’ll put a bit of food out each day for them, and on local walks, I’ll pick berries, nuts, blackberries, stuff like that, and put them out.”
