October 2012 - Grey Wagtail returns

Thursday 4th: This morning at 10am, I received  a call from home; "guess who's returned to the garden...The Grey Wagtail!" Mels enthusiastic tones called. Wow! This is the first day (that we know of), that a Grey Wagtail has been in our garden since last February 25th. However, this bird is not just any Grey Wagtail, but the very same bird that spent last winter in our garden. We know this because when Mel called to it from the back door, it flew over to her from the pond to take some live mealworms that Mel had thrown onto the patio! Now a new bird would not be so trusting or acquainted to this procedure. Last Winter, the Grey Wagtail had gotten trusting of Mels call and by February last, it was stepping onto the door step to eat mealworms. Now, the resident Robin, Blackbird and Starlings have noticed the brightly coloured interloper (who we hope will frequent our garden this autumn and winter) and try to scare it off when it gets some mealworms. The Robin in particular seems a bit "miffed" at the appearance of a rival and we have some video of the  Robin flying at the Grey Wagtail in an effort to chase it off. Let's hope the Wagtail frequents the garden for this autumn and winter.

 

 House Sparrows as always are numerous in the garden.

 

The "miffed" Robin.

 

Amongst the birds visiting the garden today were a pair of Coal Tits. Above is a snap of a fast moving Coal Tit.

 

 

And finally...in true "Autumn-watch" tradition...Hedgehog poo! We know that Hedgehogs have been visiting the garden on and off for the past few months. We have even seen a couple. Now they are leaving poo, so must be spending a good while in the garden when they visit. We have two dishes of water always out for the birds and we have seen a Cat drink water too so it is logical to assume that Hedgehogs drink water as well. This must be what attracts them to our garden.

 

 Never leave milk for Hedgehogs!

 

If you can stand it, examine the photo of the poo closely and you will see Beetle cases, bird seed and other bits that Hedgehogs will eat. Hedgehogs are increasingly becoming scarce, so please if you can, make your gardens "Hedgehog Friendly" and if you live close to the countryside or indeed in the countryside, you are sure to attract a Hedgehog or two.

 

Please drive responsibly along countryside lanes and town roads at night.

MARCH 2009 - Blackbird nesting!

One of the female Blackbirds has built a nest close to the back door. She laid 3 eggs on Friday 6th and by Saturday 7th, had laid 4 eggs. With all the coming and going, she doesn't seem perturbed at all. It's as if she believes that it will be safer near the back door.

Two Coal Tits had paired up as had two Blue Tits that visit the garden. Two of the three Robins seem to have vanished. Maybe they have paired-off to nest. The third still visits the kitchen but not on a regular basis.

The Longtailed Tit has paid another visit, again to the small bush near the back door, quite near to where the Blackbird has nested.