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Tec, all winter we had three goldfinches feeding then recently we have had one single adult, then we had the one baby. I was curious to know how that baby knew it had to come to our garden and find the nyger seed feeder, other years the babies have appeared with the parents. maybe they brought it when we were out.

Ann
Glos

Hi Folks,

Maggie.........You could easily have young sparrows in the ivy. We have a second brood of sparrows hatched this week in an outbuilding.
I occasionally see a barn owl hunting in the fields behind my house, but only if I'm up very early in the morning.

Caz...........How nice to see you back you were missed. My wife had a cockatiel many years ago. He used to go about on her shoulder too. I was often abroad in those days, but when I was home, he developed an unfortunate habit of swooping off his favourite perch on a bookcase, feet first into my dinner . Needless to say, he had to be put into his cage at mealtimes. He obviously didn't like me, actually I think he was jealous, although of the two of us, he was the better looking.
It would be good if you do have goldcrests nearby.

Ann........That very young goldfinch must mean there are others nearby, hope you get to see them. Haven't seen any here for a while.
Today we had the adult robin and a very young one. Also two families of young magpies - complete hooligans.

Regards
Tec.

hello all

We were pleased to see yesterday a very young goldfinch on the nyger seed, so young it was all brown with just a tiny flash of yellow starting to appear. we have also had quite a few blue tits around again.

Ann
Glos

Hello all, nice to be noticed that I am missing Tec, lol. I don't spend much time on computer as I like to keep up the housework in the little flat, much easier than the semi we had.
We have an owl every night now, maybe two as we hear the hooting and the screech/ krick call. Our bird has started answering it, hubby thinks it is so close it could be sitting on the roof just above us.
By the way Tec, our cockateil was never in his cage at the other house, he spends time in it now for safety but when he gets used to the safe landing and safe places he will be out all day again. He used to go everywhere with me, on my shoulder or if he thought he knew where I was going he'd fly there and wait for me.

I also hear what sounds like Goldcrests coming from the massive tree in the visitors carpark, like a creaking wheelbarrow. I thought they were found in pine woods and firs, but can't think of another bird that sounds like them.
We also have a lot of Chaffinches and Greenfinch up here.

Caz xx

Hi all, don't know what has been happening today, but i have sparrows in the ivy only 2 feet away. There has been loud scratching noises and so much activity. I often wonder if they nest in there, but surely it is too late now?? But something is definitely different.
My little robin still hasn't been seen...sigh
OH sees the owls we have here for the past 5 years. but at 6am when I am still in my bed ! They used to sit on a wall later in the morning but I never see them now.
The blackbirds are still waking me with their dawn chorus which is lovely, and they come for a bathe in the pond around tea time.
Sadly I haven't seen the bullfinch again, nor the thrush

Maggie

Hi Jude.......
Wondered where you were - welcome back.
I've never had a Woodpecker in this garden - though I often hear one in the nearby wood.

Wilfred is missed - I got quite attached to that silly pidgeon, had many meaningful conversations!

Regards
Tec.

Tec......lol

Me here as well:o))

Got back from Birmingham 1pm ish after babysitting:o))))))

Sorry Wilfred has flown, as you say he's fed himself up and got back on track hopefully:o))

Woodpeckers have been very busy munching on the nuts, the holder was nearly empty!!
Too hot up here....phewww
jude:o)

Hello Ann........
Very quiet on this thread isn't it?
Haven't seen Y/Caz or Dormouse for ages.

Maybe your blackbird lives in hope of Prince Charming turning up.
My wife lived with such hopes once - then I turned up - oh well.

Tec.

I'm here tec, been busy making birthday cards.

We have got a little robin started to visit us, not had a robin for a while, and lady blackbird minus tail is still around, doesn't seem to be a male around with her though so think she is having a phantom nest build!!!

Where have you all disappeared to?

It is very quiet here - birdwise - apart from the doves that seem to live in my garden, I've had a few sparrows, a robin, few chaffinches, one greenfinch passed through, and we do still have marauding jackdaws and magpies with young.

Went to deadhead the roses, but it was too hot out there for me.
It was then gently suggested that I could paint the hall ceiling instead!

I don't think so really............

Regards
Tec.

Tec
Yes the Kites are beautiful. It stayed for quite a while before it flew off.
We tried to take a photo but it didn't come out.
I'll keep the camera ready in case it returns.
I used to have a toad in the garden but haven't seen one for a while.
I could do with something to eat the slugs!!!
Von

Sounds like the stuff of nightmares tec.

Wilfred has gone home!

Had his week holiday at the seaside - rested up - three square meals a day.........packed his bag - and went.

Bon voyage Wilfred..........you will be missed

Von.......I think that must be my Red Kite - haven't seen one for weeks - we usually have two or three around. Beautiful aren't they?

Ann...........That toad was the biggest I have ever seen. Even wondered if it was a native species. Even my wife, who is not squeamish, and loves all wild life, quickly beat a retreat up the garden.

Regards
Tec.

von, how lovely to see a red Kite so close to home.
Tec, nice to have the toad eat slugs but he sounds gruesomely large!!
Ann
Glos

Hi everyone
Just been sitting in the garden having my lunch. I was watching a flock of swifts circling round when i noticed another large bird close to them. Closer inspection with binoculars showed it to be a Red Kite.
We are not far from Bucks where there are several now but was so pleased that I didn't even have to leave home to see it.
Take care
Von

Tec.....

after l posted that post about the pigeon, l remembered what our vet said when we found one a few yrs ago....basically it would'nt get home even if the owner came and got it!!! so l'm really pleased you have said this cause it means you'll probably keep it until it decides what it wants to do....yehh:o)

jude :o)

Jude.......How nice that you have sqirrels - we used to see them here, but they disappeared a year ago?
Herons can be a menace if you have a pond with fish. I once lost three sizeable, and quite valuable Koi Carp to a heron. Solved the problem by covering the pond with chicken wire, though that does rather spoil the appearence of the pond.

Ann......Interesting that you have blackbirds nesting again now- I have a pair of doves that are "courting" again, so maybe another nesting.

The pidgeon is still with us - follows me all around the garden - even talks to me - gentle cooing. Now has a name "Wilfred"
I have twice in the past tried to return lost pidgeons. Niether made it home.

Today I found a huge toad in the garden - would easily cover a tea plate.
My dog sniffed it and trotted off to look from a safe distance. No wonder I don't seem to have so many slugs this year.

Regards
Tec.

Swallows nest is on the blog:o))

l wonder who's cat got the tail?? hope they are successful:o)

jude :o)

Will sort it Jude.


had a cheeky robin in the garden this morning and it looks as though the blackbirds are building another nest, We can tell it is the same ones as the female has no tail.

Ann
Glos