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Beautiful spring like day today in my neck of the woods.Its been a long dreary Winter.
So - New thread - ( hope you like it annie ?)
Lets share our observations of all the flora and fauna this diverse country of ours has to offer.
So - New thread - ( hope you like it annie ?)
Lets share our observations of all the flora and fauna this diverse country of ours has to offer.
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Butterfly update .... my Buddleia has now attracted a butterfly I have identified thanks to the interweb as a Comma.
The Red Admiral comes back to them every day now , you can get very close to it without scaring it off , I'm guessing Buddleia nectar is akin to chocolate is the Butterfly world.
The Red Admiral comes back to them every day now , you can get very close to it without scaring it off , I'm guessing Buddleia nectar is akin to chocolate is the Butterfly world.
Mrs H found a hedgehog in the garden, so I was instructed to build a hedgehog house - now completed. Any tips on hedgehog keeping.
I too have lots of butterflies on my Buddleia. Peacock,Red Admiral,Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady.
Hover flies are in abundance too. On every flowering bush/plant in the garden - especially sweet peas.
Hover flies are in abundance too. On every flowering bush/plant in the garden - especially sweet peas.
Good stuff Facts , I don't recollect seeing any Butterflies other than white varieties until this year in my Lancashire Pennine garden.
Peacock variety has appeared today
Peacock variety has appeared today
Had a hedgehog give birth in the shed last year,every dusk they would come down the garden path hoglets(?) all different sizes.
Thirsty fellows used to drink a lot of water(never,ever give them milk)
Natural food is snails and other bugs and the first time you can be aware of one is the crunching of snail shells,used to give them a sachet of cat food,they also like a bit of mild cheese,and while it mightn,t have been p.c. found they went dolally for a chocolate profiterole,(all the young would have no fear and take from your hand, the mam more reserved)
Have an infrequent one calling this year love watching them and good luck with your one.
Thirsty fellows used to drink a lot of water(never,ever give them milk)
Natural food is snails and other bugs and the first time you can be aware of one is the crunching of snail shells,used to give them a sachet of cat food,they also like a bit of mild cheese,and while it mightn,t have been p.c. found they went dolally for a chocolate profiterole,(all the young would have no fear and take from your hand, the mam more reserved)
Have an infrequent one calling this year love watching them and good luck with your one.
Found one two years ago in my garden it had plastic the can plastic 4 can jobbies thingymajig wrapped round its head the poor wee hog [>o] nipped it off with a pair of nail clippers what a carry on. Bathed its wounds in salt water phoned rspca and a hedgehog charity what a carry on esp rspca [>o] they ever come to my front door again they will regret it had a gang of them just after [>o] jesus they must of thought i was a nutter 
and they were right ffs i gave them what for. Had to take my hoggy mate on a train to Darlington to be looked after but was gladly done the rspca were not interested whatsoever [>o].
and they were right ffs i gave them what for. Had to take my hoggy mate on a train to Darlington to be looked after but was gladly done the rspca were not interested whatsoever [>o].
There was a young hedgehog in the garden this morning.
Read up on them & it says they are either sick or very hungry if out in the day for any length of time.
This little fellow was starving . He has got through 2 sachets of cat food & is now under my shed.
Hoping he is going to make the garden his home , will put more food out later for him.
Read up on them & it says they are either sick or very hungry if out in the day for any length of time.
This little fellow was starving . He has got through 2 sachets of cat food & is now under my shed.
Hoping he is going to make the garden his home , will put more food out later for him.
Well done 626.One of my feeders was knocked over last night and the entire contents of 4 fatballs had gone.A fox,I presume.
Do Woodpigeons regurgitate to feed their young?
Earlier today,an adult and 2 juveniles side by side on a branch in my garden with the youngsters pecking at the beak of the adult and possibly getting some return.Never seen that before.
Just as an aside,I was officiating at an athletics match yesterday where the first name of one of the competitors,a young black man,was 'Juvenile'.One of my officiating colleagues,who knew the young man,professed that his second name ought to have been 'Delinquent'.
Earlier today,an adult and 2 juveniles side by side on a branch in my garden with the youngsters pecking at the beak of the adult and possibly getting some return.Never seen that before.
Just as an aside,I was officiating at an athletics match yesterday where the first name of one of the competitors,a young black man,was 'Juvenile'.One of my officiating colleagues,who knew the young man,professed that his second name ought to have been 'Delinquent'.
Apart from being very quiet on here,it's gone very quiet around my feeders.Currently what would normally go in a day is lasting a week.Might this be on account of the amount of natural food which is now available in seeds and berries?
I had thought that I had finally **** up a system to prevent squirrels getting to my feeders by wrapping chicken wire around everything but the buggers just climb up the wire.
I had thought that I had finally **** up a system to prevent squirrels getting to my feeders by wrapping chicken wire around everything but the buggers just climb up the wire.
Couple of incidents lately.
This morning I was getting breakfast, about 8am, standing at the sink when a fox comes over the fence and wanders up the garden path. It then did a tour of the garden, went down the bottom and disappeared. I’ve seen a fox at night out there a few years ago, but never one in broad daylight.
A few weeks ago I was cycling home about 10.20pm. It was a memorable night because I was listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon on my headphones and in a field to my right a Pink Floyd tribute band was playing Us and Them. There was also firework display.
Anyway, as I passed by where the band was playing, something walked across the road in front of me. I thought it must be a fox, but I remember thinking it was funny because it blended in with the night a bit much, so I couldn’t really tell what it was. I’ve probably seen hundreds of them in my time, so I was a bit surprised I couldn’t make it out, it wasn’t far ahead. However ‘fox’ is what I mentally accepted it as being because I couldn’t think of any other reasonable alternative at the time.
A week later I read an article in my local paper about a guy in the village that had seen some sort of biggish cat (can’t remember what he said exactly). But his sighting was dated the night I saw what I saw and it was about half an hour after I saw it.
So it might have been a biggish cat that I saw.
Sceptics say there are none, but about 12 years ago I was working on a large private estate nearby and the manager said that he'd had a friend over from Africa to stay and that he'd taken him for a walk around the woods on the estate. They came across a pile of sh!t, which the visitor told him was big cat sh!t. So I'm prepared to jump to the conclusion that what I was saw was indeed some sort of large-ish non-tibbles type of cat.
This morning I was getting breakfast, about 8am, standing at the sink when a fox comes over the fence and wanders up the garden path. It then did a tour of the garden, went down the bottom and disappeared. I’ve seen a fox at night out there a few years ago, but never one in broad daylight.
A few weeks ago I was cycling home about 10.20pm. It was a memorable night because I was listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon on my headphones and in a field to my right a Pink Floyd tribute band was playing Us and Them. There was also firework display.
Anyway, as I passed by where the band was playing, something walked across the road in front of me. I thought it must be a fox, but I remember thinking it was funny because it blended in with the night a bit much, so I couldn’t really tell what it was. I’ve probably seen hundreds of them in my time, so I was a bit surprised I couldn’t make it out, it wasn’t far ahead. However ‘fox’ is what I mentally accepted it as being because I couldn’t think of any other reasonable alternative at the time.
A week later I read an article in my local paper about a guy in the village that had seen some sort of biggish cat (can’t remember what he said exactly). But his sighting was dated the night I saw what I saw and it was about half an hour after I saw it.
So it might have been a biggish cat that I saw.
Sceptics say there are none, but about 12 years ago I was working on a large private estate nearby and the manager said that he'd had a friend over from Africa to stay and that he'd taken him for a walk around the woods on the estate. They came across a pile of sh!t, which the visitor told him was big cat sh!t. So I'm prepared to jump to the conclusion that what I was saw was indeed some sort of large-ish non-tibbles type of cat.
I had a fantastic view of a young fox the other night because he triggered the outside security light, so I saw him close up in bright light, beautiful 
Wow,what a garden.
.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-15506502
.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-15506502
In the park this morning I was amazed to see a newly hatched family of 11 Mallard chicks.This mild weather has obviously got them confused.
I assume that they'll be too small to survive when the cold weather eventually arrives.
I assume that they'll be too small to survive when the cold weather eventually arrives.
Thanks for that, jambo, I will take a walk in the local park and see if there are any there.
annie,I do hope that you don't see any as their chances of survival must be more or less non-existent.Whilst I saw them for the first time this morning a fellow dog-walker told me that she saw them yesterday.Even at such a young age,i.e.,2 days,they seem so much full of themselves and zipp around at a great rate of knots.
Nature gone crazy.Presumably their conception is down to the Spring-like weather.
Nature gone crazy.Presumably their conception is down to the Spring-like weather.
Counted 9 chicks this morning.No sign whatsoever of their mother.Come to think of it,no sign of their mother yesterday,either.
I counted 8 Mallard chicks this morning.Again they were on their own.They've obviously been abandoned.
Autumn colours spectacular and all that sh*t
This year's autumn leaves are looking amazing if that's the kind of thing you're into.
Big trees like oaks, as well as other smaller trees whose names you do not know, have seen their leaves change colour from green to an orangey-brown that are probably like the dawn or something, if you are prone to whimsy.
Professor Henry Brubaker of the Institute for Studies said: "Definitely the leaves are looking pretty great, at least to the leaf enthusiast.
"Personally I couldn't give a f*ck.
"But that's just me. I don't want to piss on anyone's chips.
"If you are the sort of person who likes to take a million digital photos, fiddle with them in Photoshop then send them to your local BBC in that hope that one might end up as a backdrop to the weather bulletin, you are good to go."
He added: "The biggish leaves that look like hands are especially good this year, apparently they're 'vibrant' or something.
"Go and have a look, if you want. Get some conkers while you're at it."
Amateur poet Nikki Hollis said: "I love all that leaf sh*t, I f*cking go nuts for it."
This year's autumn leaves are looking amazing if that's the kind of thing you're into.
Big trees like oaks, as well as other smaller trees whose names you do not know, have seen their leaves change colour from green to an orangey-brown that are probably like the dawn or something, if you are prone to whimsy.
Professor Henry Brubaker of the Institute for Studies said: "Definitely the leaves are looking pretty great, at least to the leaf enthusiast.
"Personally I couldn't give a f*ck.
"But that's just me. I don't want to piss on anyone's chips.
"If you are the sort of person who likes to take a million digital photos, fiddle with them in Photoshop then send them to your local BBC in that hope that one might end up as a backdrop to the weather bulletin, you are good to go."
He added: "The biggish leaves that look like hands are especially good this year, apparently they're 'vibrant' or something.
"Go and have a look, if you want. Get some conkers while you're at it."
Amateur poet Nikki Hollis said: "I love all that leaf sh*t, I f*cking go nuts for it."
annie,
It was 2 degrees C when I got up this morning,so I thought that this level of cold might have have done for them.However,saw 3 on the pond this morning.These ones seem to stay together as a group,so maybe they huddle to keep themselves warm at night.As always,no sign of the mother duck.
On Saturdays,The Guardian has a series of 'Unsettling animal photographs of the week'.Yesterdays was of a recent hatchling of duck chicks.Shouldn't be a surprise that it's happening elsewhere.Myself and fellow dog walkers are hoping that it stays mild enough to enable the chicks to put on enough weight to get through the winter,but I remain pessimistic.
It was 2 degrees C when I got up this morning,so I thought that this level of cold might have have done for them.However,saw 3 on the pond this morning.These ones seem to stay together as a group,so maybe they huddle to keep themselves warm at night.As always,no sign of the mother duck.
On Saturdays,The Guardian has a series of 'Unsettling animal photographs of the week'.Yesterdays was of a recent hatchling of duck chicks.Shouldn't be a surprise that it's happening elsewhere.Myself and fellow dog walkers are hoping that it stays mild enough to enable the chicks to put on enough weight to get through the winter,but I remain pessimistic.
Yes, jambo, there was a picture in the telegraph today of a blue tit with her chicks, in november!
Wasps - in November, says everyone
There are still wasps, everyone told everyone else this morning.
The unseasonably warm autumn has meant that millions of wasps across Britain are refusing to die, leading to conversations about them.
And now experts are warning that if the mild weather continues it could cause an unprecedented gap between conversations about television programmes.
Professor Henry Brubaker, of the Institute for Studies, said: "Our National Conversation Grid is showing nothing but wasps for at least another 72 hours.
"Someone in Stevenage will mention something called 'Kitty from the X Factor' but no-one will hear them. And in Doncaster a man will say how much he is enjoying the new David Attenborough thing, prompting a random passer-by to say 'frozen planet, my giddy arse' and then show him a photo of a really big wasp that they took with their iPhone while they were spending the afternoon in the park.
"In November."
Professor Brubaker also warned that unless the wasps disappear soon it could cause many people to venture into wildly ill-informed conversations about anthropogenic global warming.
He added: "Then, in their confused state, they may stagger blindly into a Daily Telegraph comment thread, where their brain will die within about four seconds."
Tom Logan, from Peterborough, told his workmates: "I'm sitting outside - in November - having a pint and there it was, a bloody great wasp, going about its business without a care in the world.
"In November."
"I nudged my mate Dave, pointed at the wasp and said 'November'. And he looked at it, shook his head and then eventually said 'November'."
"I'll never forget it."
There are still wasps, everyone told everyone else this morning.
The unseasonably warm autumn has meant that millions of wasps across Britain are refusing to die, leading to conversations about them.
And now experts are warning that if the mild weather continues it could cause an unprecedented gap between conversations about television programmes.
Professor Henry Brubaker, of the Institute for Studies, said: "Our National Conversation Grid is showing nothing but wasps for at least another 72 hours.
"Someone in Stevenage will mention something called 'Kitty from the X Factor' but no-one will hear them. And in Doncaster a man will say how much he is enjoying the new David Attenborough thing, prompting a random passer-by to say 'frozen planet, my giddy arse' and then show him a photo of a really big wasp that they took with their iPhone while they were spending the afternoon in the park.
"In November."
Professor Brubaker also warned that unless the wasps disappear soon it could cause many people to venture into wildly ill-informed conversations about anthropogenic global warming.
He added: "Then, in their confused state, they may stagger blindly into a Daily Telegraph comment thread, where their brain will die within about four seconds."
Tom Logan, from Peterborough, told his workmates: "I'm sitting outside - in November - having a pint and there it was, a bloody great wasp, going about its business without a care in the world.
"In November."
"I nudged my mate Dave, pointed at the wasp and said 'November'. And he looked at it, shook his head and then eventually said 'November'."
"I'll never forget it."
On each of the last 3 days,only one chick has been sighted.
Hi, I wonder if any of you can answer my question.
I've just bought a super powerful headlight and whilst walking my dog across the fields at night I keep seeing rabbits and foxes (which the dog chases) but also a bird. I can never get close enough to ID it, anyone any idea what it would be?
Cheers.
I've just bought a super powerful headlight and whilst walking my dog across the fields at night I keep seeing rabbits and foxes (which the dog chases) but also a bird. I can never get close enough to ID it, anyone any idea what it would be?
Cheers.
Should have added the bird is always just sat in the middle of a field.
On Saturday night we had our first frost since the Mallard chicks were hatched 3 weeks ago and that appears to have seen off the remaining one.Cannot help but wonder if they might have had a chance if they had not been abandoned by their mother.
On Autumnwatch,last Friday,another Mallard brood,this time with their mum in attendance.
Meanwhile,each morning for the last few weeks whilst walking my dog I have been spreading a container full of Brinvale's standard seed mix at the same spot on the footpath around the pond.For the last few days,approaching that spot,the ducks have been out of the water on the path at that very same spot.Have they been waiting?
On Autumnwatch,last Friday,another Mallard brood,this time with their mum in attendance.
Meanwhile,each morning for the last few weeks whilst walking my dog I have been spreading a container full of Brinvale's standard seed mix at the same spot on the footpath around the pond.For the last few days,approaching that spot,the ducks have been out of the water on the path at that very same spot.Have they been waiting?
Looks like we will have to enjoy these things while we can.
Among all the grim news in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, there was a particular nasty surprise for anyone interested in the environment; he announced a review of the implementation of the EU Habitats and Wild Birds Directives. He said:
We will make sure that gold plating of EU rules on things like habitats aren't placing ridiculous costs on British businesses.
You might think that the Conservative instinct would be to preserve our shared natural inheritance, to make sure that there is still some of it left to hand on to our children and grandchildren. But no, for George Osborne the environment is just another kind of red tape that is getting in the way of the only thing that matters: private enterprise.
Among all the grim news in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, there was a particular nasty surprise for anyone interested in the environment; he announced a review of the implementation of the EU Habitats and Wild Birds Directives. He said:
We will make sure that gold plating of EU rules on things like habitats aren't placing ridiculous costs on British businesses.
You might think that the Conservative instinct would be to preserve our shared natural inheritance, to make sure that there is still some of it left to hand on to our children and grandchildren. But no, for George Osborne the environment is just another kind of red tape that is getting in the way of the only thing that matters: private enterprise.
Some of the regulars on here might recall the tale I told of how my younger daughter went to great lengths to rescue an abandoned Mallard chick two summers ago.Anyway,she completed her degree course in Architecture this summer but has no wishes to continue with it.
Yesterday morning she had a job interview to become a veterinary nurse and was offered the position.Being sent on a 4 week training course from mid-Jan.Bit of a shame that she didn't go to vet college 3 years ago.
Yesterday morning she had a job interview to become a veterinary nurse and was offered the position.Being sent on a 4 week training course from mid-Jan.Bit of a shame that she didn't go to vet college 3 years ago.
Each morning for the last few months,whilst out walking my Jack Russell,I have sprinkled a 400ml container of Brinvales standard seed mix onto the footpath surrounding the pond in my local park.Previously the wildfowl have waited until we depart before getting out of the water.This morning,following the coldest night for many weeks,the birds started getting up onto the footpath when they saw us entering the park,despite the presence of my dog,though one of a pair of Canada geese hissed at her.I realize that the birds will swim over to people in the hope of being fed but in this instance I am convinced that they recognised that we,the dog and I,were the people providing the seed,and previous instances have indicated the same.
Meanwhile,did anyone notice anything unusual during the Big Garden Birdwatch? Seven House Sparrows was a major increase in my garden but I haven't seen a Collared Dove for months.Having rarely had a feral pigeon at my feeders a group of five,some with very distinctive markings,are now regulars.
This used to be a very lively thread.Anyone else?
Meanwhile,did anyone notice anything unusual during the Big Garden Birdwatch? Seven House Sparrows was a major increase in my garden but I haven't seen a Collared Dove for months.Having rarely had a feral pigeon at my feeders a group of five,some with very distinctive markings,are now regulars.
This used to be a very lively thread.Anyone else?
Each morning for the last few months,whilst out walking my Jack Russell,I have sprinkled a 400ml container of Brinvales standard seed mix onto the footpath surrounding the pond in my local park
what a great thing to do iam.
weve got loads of feeders topped...get alls orts in the garden...definately a marked increase in activity from everything since the cold has come.
no exotics this year though....well not too exotic but had a nuthatch...gorgous thing..last year and spotted woodpecker.....not spotted this year though, guess they havnt needed to come into the garded.
got all the other usual suspects though....golfinches come for the niger sedd and long tailed tit for the fat balls.
and we have a hedgehog hous onder the laurel hedge at the back....covered in loads of leaves...not sure if its being used though....dont want to disturb if they are hibernating.
what a great thing to do iam.
weve got loads of feeders topped...get alls orts in the garden...definately a marked increase in activity from everything since the cold has come.
no exotics this year though....well not too exotic but had a nuthatch...gorgous thing..last year and spotted woodpecker.....not spotted this year though, guess they havnt needed to come into the garded.
got all the other usual suspects though....golfinches come for the niger sedd and long tailed tit for the fat balls.
and we have a hedgehog hous onder the laurel hedge at the back....covered in loads of leaves...not sure if its being used though....dont want to disturb if they are hibernating.
To date - this Winter - it has been very mild in the Midlands.As a result haven't been leaving food out for the birds as in previous years.Looks like the conditions are rapidly changing though - and rock hard ground - and freezing conditions will mean limited food in the wild - and no water to drink. Putting water out - I use a large plantpot holder - is essential.Niger seed,peanuts, sunflower seeds(shelled), and fat balls will now be the order of the day.
Lets restart this thread -and inform all sitings of birds /animals in the garden.
Lets restart this thread -and inform all sitings of birds /animals in the garden.
One of the numerous cats in the village sprayed in my gazebo last night.
He'll get a size 12 boot up his arse if I catch him in there.
He'll get a size 12 boot up his arse if I catch him in there.
couple of wagtails today.......lovely...
pecking at small fruit suet nibbles on the frozen lawn......nice.
pecking at small fruit suet nibbles on the frozen lawn......nice.
By far the thickest frost on the pond this morning. I have 3 footballs floating in it at this time of the year ,ensures it can't all freeze over.
Usual visitors , Blackbirds for the grapes I put out , robins , sparrows , t1ts , wood pigeons , collared doves & of course feral pigeons for the various seeds .
Usual visitors , Blackbirds for the grapes I put out , robins , sparrows , t1ts , wood pigeons , collared doves & of course feral pigeons for the various seeds .
I DON'T BELIEVE IT !!! 
Chucked some bread out for the birds and was sitting out there smoking a cigar.
Female blackbird and two sparrows sitting munching away when a village cat came from behind the shed, walked across the garden, the sparrows flew off, it got as as close as two feet from the blackbird, but they totally ignored each other as the cat went though the gap in the hedge to next door.
Chucked some bread out for the birds and was sitting out there smoking a cigar.
Female blackbird and two sparrows sitting munching away when a village cat came from behind the shed, walked across the garden, the sparrows flew off, it got as as close as two feet from the blackbird, but they totally ignored each other as the cat went though the gap in the hedge to next door.
Whilst looking for a squeaky toy for my dog in a local, recently opened branch of Wilkinsons I bought a 100g tub of dried mealworms.Someone on one of Facts' threads,maybe annie or cresit, previously reported that there was little interest in them,but as £2.25 wasn't going to break the bank I thought I give them a try.I had anticipated that they would be of interest to Robins and Blackbirds.A few minutes after I put some out a Robin appeared,but took no interest but a few minutes later a male Blackbird appeared a took a few.Then a few Starlings arrived and scoffed the lot.
Having said yesterday that I hadn't seen a Collared Dove for months,two arrived this morning.A dish of water put out this morning was frozen when I inspected at 11.00AM.Despite the covers,Sandown,where I am a NH annual member,has very little chance of racing on Saturday.
Having said yesterday that I hadn't seen a Collared Dove for months,two arrived this morning.A dish of water put out this morning was frozen when I inspected at 11.00AM.Despite the covers,Sandown,where I am a NH annual member,has very little chance of racing on Saturday.
I put an open fronted nest box in the ivy hoping for a Robin, it has been up a couple of years now without anything taking to it.
I have just watched a Robin with a beak full of nesting material getting frustrated as it waits for a pair of Blackbirds to fly from their nest building right along the side the Robin box, as soon as the Blackbird comes out from beside the box the Robin goes into the box
Can they nest successfully next to each other like that ?
I have just watched a Robin with a beak full of nesting material getting frustrated as it waits for a pair of Blackbirds to fly from their nest building right along the side the Robin box, as soon as the Blackbird comes out from beside the box the Robin goes into the box
Can they nest successfully next to each other like that ?
Robins are ninjas....
not much puts them off anything!!
keep us updated.
not much puts them off anything!!
keep us updated.
Doubt the blackbird nest will come to anything. I don't know whether they like to practise before the Spring starts or they seriously attempt a nest early, but they often spend several days making one and then clear off.
Saw a dead recent hatchling on the road this morning,a bit early perhaps.
Well the Robin did stick to my bird-box and the Blackbirds had to move to the other side of my garden. 
I had a sneaky peak in the box yesterday whilst mowing the lawn and the Robins do have chicks in the box now
I had a sneaky peak in the box yesterday whilst mowing the lawn and the Robins do have chicks in the box now
Jackdaws in the village have taken over the roof tops - nesting in most of the very old chimney pots.
Robin Nestbox update.....
Well the chicks fledged yesterday morning
And within hours the Robin was building a new nest, it was in the ivy again about 5 feet from the nest box. I wondered why they didn't just re lay in the box, so i had a look inside and there was a dead chic in there
Looks like i will be buying yet more mealworms in a couple of weeks then
Well the chicks fledged yesterday morning
And within hours the Robin was building a new nest, it was in the ivy again about 5 feet from the nest box. I wondered why they didn't just re lay in the box, so i had a look inside and there was a dead chic in there
Looks like i will be buying yet more mealworms in a couple of weeks then
Just watched a Sparrowhawk plucking and eating something on my lawn, when it flew off with it there was a lot of reddish brown colour to the underside of it, hope it wasn't me Robin Had a pair of beautiful Bullfinch on the niger feeders the past few days so hope it wasn't one of those.
Why cant they thin all these pigeons out a bit
Had a pair of beautiful Bullfinch on the niger feeders the past few days so hope it wasn't one of those.Why cant they thin all these pigeons out a bit
Cut the grass this afternoon, just before the rain arrived, having not cut it for about a month and having not been down to the shed in that time.
When I got the mower out of the shed I noticed a few bird droppings on it. I went back in and couldn’t see anything at first, but then noticed a baby robin sitting quietly on top of my vice. ‘Oh’, I thought. Then I noticed another sitting on the shelf behind, and another on an old flowerpot to the left and then one on a cardboard box to the right. There might have been more dotted about, but I stopped looking, backed out and quietly closed the door.
I then realised I didn’t have the fuel can nozzle and had to go back in. ‘Scuse me’, I said apologetically.
It was a bit like one of those war films where they open a door to a small room or cupboard and there’s a bunch of glum-faced refugees staring back that don’t move and don’t say a word. These robins looked miserable and hungry like them.
Anyway, while I was cutting the grass by the shed a robin was taking advantage of the newly cut bits to find food. I noticed that he was taking it to the window and slipping through a gap between the glass and the top of the frame - bit of wood’s gone missing, possibly from the winds this year. Now I know he's there I've been watching him through binocs.
Also saw an orange-tip butterfly while I was out there mowing.
When I got the mower out of the shed I noticed a few bird droppings on it. I went back in and couldn’t see anything at first, but then noticed a baby robin sitting quietly on top of my vice. ‘Oh’, I thought. Then I noticed another sitting on the shelf behind, and another on an old flowerpot to the left and then one on a cardboard box to the right. There might have been more dotted about, but I stopped looking, backed out and quietly closed the door.
I then realised I didn’t have the fuel can nozzle and had to go back in. ‘Scuse me’, I said apologetically.
It was a bit like one of those war films where they open a door to a small room or cupboard and there’s a bunch of glum-faced refugees staring back that don’t move and don’t say a word. These robins looked miserable and hungry like them.
Anyway, while I was cutting the grass by the shed a robin was taking advantage of the newly cut bits to find food. I noticed that he was taking it to the window and slipping through a gap between the glass and the top of the frame - bit of wood’s gone missing, possibly from the winds this year. Now I know he's there I've been watching him through binocs.
Also saw an orange-tip butterfly while I was out there mowing.
For many years there has been a single pair of Canada Geese on the pond in my local park.Each year the council workmen sterilise the eggs on account of the mess the geese make so they've never had any chicks.For the last few weeks I've only seen one goose and have assumed that the other was sitting on their nest on the island in the pond.When out with my dog this morning I saw both of the geese out on the bank.As we approached they moved onto the water,accompanied by 4 chicks.I felt quite pleased for them.
Meanwhile,across in the other local park I've been observing a Moorhen on the nest since the weekend Of the Grand National so hatching should occur soon.No Mallard chicks yet.
Meanwhile,across in the other local park I've been observing a Moorhen on the nest since the weekend Of the Grand National so hatching should occur soon.No Mallard chicks yet.
I have just seen my first cuckoo I have heard plenty before but have never been close enough to actually see one.
I have heard plenty before but have never been close enough to actually see one.
Saw my first ever cuckoo near Corfe Castle last year,being harried by 4 or so small birds,probably finches,close to where I saw my first Dartford Warbler and Red Kites.
Spotted one moorhen chick on the water this morning,though there might be more as they tend to skulk under the overhanging vegetation by the edge of the pond.One of the adults was reinforcing the nest.
I found a dead adult Robin on our lawn this morning. It was intact so i don't think it was a cat kill or anything like that.
Car off the road so no Buzzard watching for me this summer.
7 days on from my first sightings of this years waterfowl chicks the sole Moorhen chick continues to survive but I was surprised to see this morning that 2 of the 4 Canada Goose chicks have gone.Being so much larger than the Duck or Moorhen chicks I had assumed that they would have better prospects.Also,the parent geese appeared to be more attentive to shooing the chicks onto the water when they saw my dog approaching than ever the Mallards have done.
The robins in my shed are gone this morning. I’ve been down occasionally to spy on them through a knothole in the door. I was able to find the nest - a little cup on a shelf in the corner close to the window. Needless to say they’ve left a right mess. I had worried they might not be able to negotiate the window and get out, but having seen them flitting by the knothole lately they seem to have had a good bit of practise at flying about.
The other night I saw a gruesome sight down by the railway line. I was cycling home along a path I’d cycled down two-hours before and there was a dead rabbit in the middle of the path. It had no head. What ever had killed it had chopped its head clean off (the head was nowhere to be seen). All that was left was a pink stump but the rest of the rabbit was untouched. Cat? Fox? Owl? - got to be one of these, but what creature chops off and eats (presumably) a furry head and leaves the meaty body alone?
The other night I saw a gruesome sight down by the railway line. I was cycling home along a path I’d cycled down two-hours before and there was a dead rabbit in the middle of the path. It had no head. What ever had killed it had chopped its head clean off (the head was nowhere to be seen). All that was left was a pink stump but the rest of the rabbit was untouched. Cat? Fox? Owl? - got to be one of these, but what creature chops off and eats (presumably) a furry head and leaves the meaty body alone?
It would have been a fox. Same happened to a pet rabbit of mine a few years back. Fox got into its hutch !
Saw some swallows day before yesterday. First of 2012
Thanks Facts, thinking about it it makes sense because a Fox is probably the only one with a jaw powerful enough for such a clean removal.
I too saw either a swallow or swift on Monday - I know the difference but I couldn't tell bleary-eyed in bed as I was at the time.
I too saw either a swallow or swift on Monday - I know the difference but I couldn't tell bleary-eyed in bed as I was at the time.
Gosling numbers down to one.
When I took my dog out this morning there was a male Mallard sitting in the middle of the road.Motorists were stopping and slowly driving around it.The dog and I shooed it onto the green opposite our house.Later,another motorist hadn't been as considerate.The dead duck was on the pavement but the blood stains on the road indicated that it had been hit about 5 feet into the road.I got a shovel and threw the body onto the green as a treat for a fox.
When I took my dog out this morning there was a male Mallard sitting in the middle of the road.Motorists were stopping and slowly driving around it.The dog and I shooed it onto the green opposite our house.Later,another motorist hadn't been as considerate.The dead duck was on the pavement but the blood stains on the road indicated that it had been hit about 5 feet into the road.I got a shovel and threw the body onto the green as a treat for a fox.
This is a real strange one! I have a blue Tit that lands on the top of my open window and just settles down for hours. It is there now as i type, it has been there since about 7:45pm.
It lands, makes a single high pitch noise (that's how i know it has arrived) and then it has a good old scratch for a minute or two and then just settles down
What a strange thing to do, what with all the trees and sheds and out buildings near by that it could go to
Its not exactly quiet either with a TV just 6 foot ish from it.
It lands, makes a single high pitch noise (that's how i know it has arrived) and then it has a good old scratch for a minute or two and then just settles down
What a strange thing to do, what with all the trees and sheds and out buildings near by that it could go to
Its not exactly quiet either with a TV just 6 foot ish from it.
August seems to be 'mad' season for birds. Well I don't know, it's just it all seems to quieten down and laziness takes over. One year around this time a blackbird sat on my fence post one afternoon in the shade and didn't budge for hours. He just sat there very quietly singing to himself. It was just like their loud song but in a barely audible voice. I like to think he was practising a new tune to warn off his enemies that evening. I sat just below him and apart from co.cking his head down to check I was still there ignored me - he didn't seem to have any young to feed (I think he might have been hiding up after a hard few months on the go).
Last week I noticed a comma butterfly sitting on the end of one of the arms of the rotary washing line as I was taking stuff off the line. I'd noticed a comma flying about for an hour or so while I was reading in the shade. I decided to move the line around so the arm and the comma came towards me. Apart from changing angle to keep with the Sun it didn't move even when it was level with my face. I was so close I could easily see the comma of the comma. Every time it got spooked it shot off and came back to the same place even when the arm of the line was in a different place. One time I put my hand on the arm and it still landed on it although it took off quickly. I was messing about with it for about 20 minutes till I got bored. About two hours later I looked out the window and it was still there on the end of the washing line.
Also near me has been a nesting kestrel or sparrowhawk. I've been able to see an adult flying out and back and 'wheeek' noise of them calling each other although I don't know where the nest is exactly. Makes a change from robins/blackbirds/song thrush etc.
Last week I noticed a comma butterfly sitting on the end of one of the arms of the rotary washing line as I was taking stuff off the line. I'd noticed a comma flying about for an hour or so while I was reading in the shade. I decided to move the line around so the arm and the comma came towards me. Apart from changing angle to keep with the Sun it didn't move even when it was level with my face. I was so close I could easily see the comma of the comma. Every time it got spooked it shot off and came back to the same place even when the arm of the line was in a different place. One time I put my hand on the arm and it still landed on it although it took off quickly. I was messing about with it for about 20 minutes till I got bored. About two hours later I looked out the window and it was still there on the end of the washing line.
Also near me has been a nesting kestrel or sparrowhawk. I've been able to see an adult flying out and back and 'wheeek' noise of them calling each other although I don't know where the nest is exactly. Makes a change from robins/blackbirds/song thrush etc.
Well it is here again. It has now settled down for the night on the top of my open window
It lands on top of the open window and then settles down in the metal mechanism of the window..... eek !
See how it notices me then gives a quick peck at the window and then ignores me LOL.
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2i0uadl&s=6
It has moved to the rightmost of the window and has settled down, window open tonight then
Just one thing, we have noticed we have a Willow Warbler hopping from branch to branch in our trees for the first time in 25+ years, do you think this is blue tit or wa Willow Warbler ?
It lands on top of the open window and then settles down in the metal mechanism of the window..... eek !
See how it notices me then gives a quick peck at the window and then ignores me LOL.
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2i0uadl&s=6
It has moved to the rightmost of the window and has settled down, window open tonight then
Just one thing, we have noticed we have a Willow Warbler hopping from branch to branch in our trees for the first time in 25+ years, do you think this is blue tit or wa Willow Warbler ?
It is still landing on the open window and settling down for the night Good look at it tonight and it is deffo a Blue Tit.
Give or take just 2 minutes it lands on the window at 7:45pm ! How do they do that ?
Good look at it tonight and it is deffo a Blue Tit.Give or take just 2 minutes it lands on the window at 7:45pm ! How do they do that ?
Recently back from a visit to Nottingham to see my elder daughter.I don't know the area but she took us out to the David Attenborough Nature Reserve.Well worth a visit.More Coots and Lapwings than I've ever seen before and I was surprised to see so many Cormorants so far inland but a new first for me,lots of the Egyptian Goose,standing around near to the entrance of the Visitor Centre waiting for bread along with the Mallards and Canada Geese.Didn't have a clue what they were but got straight onto the RSPB site when we got back to my daughter's home.
The reserve is named after the village jambo not Sir David . The Trent has plenty of Cormorants on it
Talking of the Trent, we were walking the dogs along side the Trent at Gunthorpe last week when a Kingfisher flew out from the bank at the side of us, lovely turquoise colour, flying just cm's above the river
. The Trent has plenty of Cormorants on it Talking of the Trent, we were walking the dogs along side the Trent at Gunthorpe last week when a Kingfisher flew out from the bank at the side of us, lovely turquoise colour, flying just cm's above the river
S T,Thanks for the correction.It was an assumption on my part.Also spotted 4 Little Egrets on our visit.
I was amazed at the number of Coots that we saw,not only at the Reserve but on the canal in Nottingham and in the Dales.I've never seen a Coot where we live though we get lots of Moorhens.Breeding wise this summer has been a good one for Moorhens.One pair which I observe on a daily basis whilst walking my dog have chicks from 3 separate clutches.On the other hand despite the numerous Mallards in the 2 parks that we visit daily,I've only seen 3 sets of chicks.One Mallard built her nest in my neighbour's front garden,about 4 feet from his front door,with 8 eggs.A couple of days after they were laid they had disappeared,taken by a fox presumably,though there was no sign of any shell,so the whole lot must have been swallowed.
I was amazed at the number of Coots that we saw,not only at the Reserve but on the canal in Nottingham and in the Dales.I've never seen a Coot where we live though we get lots of Moorhens.Breeding wise this summer has been a good one for Moorhens.One pair which I observe on a daily basis whilst walking my dog have chicks from 3 separate clutches.On the other hand despite the numerous Mallards in the 2 parks that we visit daily,I've only seen 3 sets of chicks.One Mallard built her nest in my neighbour's front garden,about 4 feet from his front door,with 8 eggs.A couple of days after they were laid they had disappeared,taken by a fox presumably,though there was no sign of any shell,so the whole lot must have been swallowed.
I have a large pond in my garden, and every year I get breeding Moorhens, as well as Eiders.
Moorhens are the most aggressive birds that I have ever seen. If a pigeon comes anywhere near them, they just lower their heads and charge. Fearless little b uggers.
Normally have two lots of young per year. This year loads of them. Very cute.
Moorhens are the most aggressive birds that I have ever seen. If a pigeon comes anywhere near them, they just lower their heads and charge. Fearless little b uggers.
Normally have two lots of young per year. This year loads of them. Very cute.
I have just been watching a pair of Magpies in my garden.
I broke up some old fat-balls and put it on the bird table. The Magpies were grabbing a beak full, flying off and then returning with snow on their heads/beak
I wondered what they were up-to for a minute, then one of them flew to the other side of my garden, dropped the beak full it had gathered in the snow and then nudged more snow on top of it
Well i never knew they hid food around the place like Squirrels !
I broke up some old fat-balls and put it on the bird table. The Magpies were grabbing a beak full, flying off and then returning with snow on their heads/beak
I wondered what they were up-to for a minute, then one of them flew to the other side of my garden, dropped the beak full it had gathered in the snow and then nudged more snow on top of it
Well i never knew they hid food around the place like Squirrels !
From the RSPB Handbook of British Birds:'Stores food when it is plentiful by hiding it in a scattering of locations within the territory'.
Jays do likewise.
Jays do likewise.
Its a smart move by the Magpies, we have lots of Woodpigeons stuffing their crops full and not leaving a lot for anything else to get at.
My parents have a resident squirrel in the garden that likes to bury food in snow or in the pot plants. Recently they have started to get Jays in the garden (usually one, maximum three) and there is an ongoing battle with the Jay(s) digging the food up as soon as the squirrel has buried it and then the squirrel chasing the Jay to get it back. Very entertaining to watch.
Yes we've now got a jay visiting the bird table but just once a day. Very beautiful birds.
Currently also have chaffinch, bullfinch, tree sparrows, dunnock, pied wagtails, a robin and some nice t1ts!
Strangest thing is the sheer number of blackbirds. They're usually pretty territorial so we just have a pair hanging around, but there were twelve together today, often having a b1tch at each other but still generally tolerating each other. Extraordinary scenes.
Currently also have chaffinch, bullfinch, tree sparrows, dunnock, pied wagtails, a robin and some nice t1ts!
Strangest thing is the sheer number of blackbirds. They're usually pretty territorial so we just have a pair hanging around, but there were twelve together today, often having a b1tch at each other but still generally tolerating each other. Extraordinary scenes.
Iam jealous ! We have never had a Jay in the garden here. In-fact i can't remember ever seeing a jay anywhere 
Smar Tarse,I'm surprised by that comment but Facts,I believe,once said something similar.I see lots of Jays whilst walking my dog in local woods and have also had them in my garden,taking from a peanut feeder,not actually on it but pecking from a nearby branch.Starlings,Ring-necked Parakeets and GS Woodpeckers all land directly on the peanut feeder.
Maybe we have too many Magpies in this area, do they get on territory wise ?
There is a large cherry tree out the back, once a year in summer there is a "meeting" of magpies. They start arriving early morning and by the end of the day there can be as many as 40 magpies in the tree.
Nothing happens, they just sit there still and quiet and then leave.
There is a large cherry tree out the back, once a year in summer there is a "meeting" of magpies. They start arriving early morning and by the end of the day there can be as many as 40 magpies in the tree.
Nothing happens, they just sit there still and quiet and then leave.
See plenty of Jays in the countryside where I live - but never in my garden.
Never had a Nuthatch visit the feeders either - until this year - followed within 10 mins by a GSW - lovely !! Wondering whether its positioning/content of feeders. I have sited four - all on the washing line - far enough off the ground to evade the squirrels. Sunflower seeds,sunflower hearts,peanuts and 'cheap'mixed seed.
All attract birds - but the Nuthatch and woodpecker fed off the black sunflower seeds.
Never had a Nuthatch visit the feeders either - until this year - followed within 10 mins by a GSW - lovely !! Wondering whether its positioning/content of feeders. I have sited four - all on the washing line - far enough off the ground to evade the squirrels. Sunflower seeds,sunflower hearts,peanuts and 'cheap'mixed seed.
All attract birds - but the Nuthatch and woodpecker fed off the black sunflower seeds.
An interesting snowy photo..
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http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBD6JmsCAAAt_7t.jpg
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http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBD6JmsCAAAt_7t.jpg
Talking of jays I remember when I first had feeders in the garden and seed on a table and this jay came to the table. I did not know what it was but I was mesmorised and stared at it until it left. Beautiful bird. I do not have a garden at present and really miss the birds
A pair of jays are regular visitors to my garden. Beautiful birds.
Just watched a grey heron jump through a hole in the ice to nick one of my fish. A very ugly looking bird, but I guess it has to eat. Plenty of fish in the pond, so I don't mind.
I've been getting large flocks of little brownish birds, twenty or so at a time. I think they are some kind of finch, but they don't have any noticeable distinguishing marks. Any ideas what they might be ?
Just watched a grey heron jump through a hole in the ice to nick one of my fish. A very ugly looking bird, but I guess it has to eat. Plenty of fish in the pond, so I don't mind.
I've been getting large flocks of little brownish birds, twenty or so at a time. I think they are some kind of finch, but they don't have any noticeable distinguishing marks. Any ideas what they might be ?
No need to be like that Facts, I was only trying to be helpful!
I trust that all of the regulars on here will have completed the 'Big Garden Birdwatch'.I've been a RSPB member since the mid-90s and have submitted a return every year.In each and every year I have only recorded a single Dunnock(as best I can remember).17 species this year was about par for the course in my SE London garden.As usual Starlings were most numerous but there has been a big drop in the number of Greenfinches which normally take second place.Read somewhere that they are being affected by a virus.I occasionally sterilise my feeders but not as often as I ought to.Used to see Long-tailed Tits regularly,but thinking about it haven't seen one for over a year.Conversely,a Mistle Thrush and Siskin(once a usual visitor)were seen for the first time in a long time.
I couldn't hear the tv for a Song Thrush just then, i couldn't mute the tv quick enough
had a lesser spotted woodpecker down my wood a while ago but no sign off the bugger recently
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