Mouse Village by British photographer Simon Dell

When photographer Simon Dell noticed mice scurrying around his garden, he didn't get a cat or set traps. Instead, he got out his tools and built a miniature village for his little guests. The grateful mice ended up making excellent and very cute models.







"I was photographing birds in the garden alone," says Simon. "But then, when I pointed the camera at the ground, I saw a little mouse standing there, looking at me!"

"I quickly ran into the house and got some peanuts. I waited, and my guest returned and accepted the treat."



"I came up with the idea of ​​building him a shelter where he could hide and get food."



"I had some experience photographing wildlife and mice, as I had a mouse in my garden before." She hid in the shed and only came out after dark. We nicknamed her Stuart."



"But he was lonely and soon left, apparently in search of a mate. I hope Stuart will return and meet the new mice."



"A variety of wildlife is common in my garden. I've had sparrows, blackbirds, and even a heron, which ate most of my goldfish."



"A fox also often visits us, and we also have hedgehogs and squirrels."



"At first, there was only one mouse, with a slit ear. We named him George. I made him a home among a stack of logs using a box and some moss."



"I saw cats at the fence, so I tried to make it safe."



"Then I strung wire over the fence, which made it even more difficult for the cats. I also have a Jack Russell Terrier, which they're afraid of."



"A couple of days later, I saw two mice coming out for a piece of food!"



"I tried to create a safe environment for them and at the same time create a backdrop for my photos."



"It didn't take me long to turn an entire village into miniature animals."



"After a while, I counted five mice. And the female, Mildred, looks pregnant. We hope to have even more by Christmas."



"I understand that mice can have up to 14 babies. But I have plenty of space, and I don't mind sharing it with such cute and photogenic creatures."



"The mice seem to really like it here. They still run away if I move too quickly or get too close, but I can still take photos if I'm careful."



"I feed them natural and healthy food: nuts, berries, and fruits that I collect in the local nature reserve."



"Good equipment is very important in my work, but even more important is learning to understand wildlife so I know where and when to come for the next shot."



"It's winter now, but the mice still live here. I give them feathers from an old pillow; they use them to insulate their beds in their houses."