Still 5 Blackbirds around, but yesterday they where waiting inturn for oneanother to have a bath in the wterfall to my pool (yes still have the pump running, also helps to keep an ice free space in the pool). Had a quick visit from a Starling first one for months also a couple of female Chaffinches, plus the usual Blue Tits, Great Tits, Dunnocks, Magpies, Woodpigeons and now more House Sparrows.

Used to have Coal Tits and Greenfinches regular, but not seen any for 2/3 months now.

Well a turn up for the book today 5 Blackbirds in the garden, but one was a youngster still chasing dad for food though he was also finding his own. Saw him find a tasty bite and promptly wipe it on the grass 2/3 times before eating it, not sure what it was he found it under some leaves at the side of the lawn.

Had the usual visitors today. Great Tits, Blue Tits. Robin, Dunnocks, Magpies and for a change a couple of House Sparrows, not been many of these about lately we used to get about 10/12 at a time in the past.

Fighting today, that is the Robin wouldn't let the Great Tit onto the bird table. The Great Tits are here often during the day either at the seed feeder or the bird table. Also have had a pair of Collard Doves, Woodpigeons, Magpies, Blackbird, Dunnocks and Blue Tits. Had a visit from the Heron again didn't land in the garden, but tried to land on a fir tree next door. In the last few months only had 1 Starling usualy get 2/3 at a time. Earlier this year they nested a couple of door down the street and was regular visitor to the bird table.

Another day, we have had a Robin, Dunnocks, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Black Bird, 1 solitory Starling, Magpies and a Heron flying over.

We have not seen Chaffinch, Coal Tit or Long Tail Tits for some time now. We used to get a couple of Coal Tits regular, must be finding food in the Dingle.

Well another day with 12 Magpies going a game, not sure at what, I tried to have a look but saw nothing.

Usual gang of Great Tits odd Dunnock Black Bird and Wood Pigeon. This afternoon been cleaning out my fish pond the best I could, it's a bit cloudy now but will settle down. Saw a pair of Herons flying about, then one of them landed on the top of a tree next door and was there for a while. He did eventually fly off, mind the fish I have would have been a bit too big for him.

A mixture this morning, Robin return of a male Chaffinch, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Dunnock, Magpie and Wood Pigeon.

Not seen a Greenfinch for quiet some time Black Birds usualy down the garden but not today.

Been out the rest of the day so don't know if anything different paid us a visit.

Working outside today and then a doz Magpies and a couple of Crows all going a game. Next door there was a cat walking up the garden, so thought right thats disturbed them. The cat climbed on the shed and then onto the garage it had a Magpie in its mouth that what all the commotion was about.

A short while after it was back to normal Great Tits 6 at a time odd Blue Tit pair Collard Doves, Woodpigeons and a pair of Dunnocks. Black Birds are staying farther down the garden going in and out of the shrubery.

I would like to know where all the birds have dissapered to. Even the Magpies have gone down in numbers in our garden, and only odd Blue nad Great Tits.

Over the weekend I did see the Woodpecker in next doors garden.

These 2 photo's where taken wilst on a car park at the Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire the last week in October.

Apart from a visit to Carsington Water and Tittesworth not a lot of birds about. At Tittesworth saw a lot of Goldfinch and Long Tail Tits, also a Kingfisher, quiet a few Herons and the usual water fowl.

Been on holiday, filled all the feeders before I went. One completly empty not a lot in another, these have been raided by the magpies they are hanging on and getting their heads through the outer cage, throwing a lot out and others are picking the bits up from the ground. Another feeder with seed in it was still half full. I have seen a few Great Tits and blue Tits, Dunnock, Robin and Black Bird but not a lot else apart from Magpies by the dozen yes dozen. Late this morning a group of Long Tail Tits gave the Silver Birch tree a good picking over, great to see them again after a long while.

After a week the feeders are still half full, only odd birds about apart from Magpies.

A pile of feathers down the garden, could be we have had a visit from the Sparrow Hawk again, they look like from a Pigeon

All the usual birds are now returning to the feeders. Yesterday Great Tits, House Sparrows emptying the feeders fast. Greenfinches are now paying us a visit with a few Blue Tits odd Coal Tit, Black Birds are staying down the garden Dunnocks and Robin picking up the seed thrown out the feeders by the Sparrows. Also starting to return are the Wood Pigeons still get lots of Magpies can't get at the food in the feeders or the table I have put a cage around it. The Magpies are very persistant all have their thinking caps on trying to find a way of emptying the feeders.

All our usual birds are back Great Tits in large quantities, Green Finches, Blue Tits, Robin, Dunnocks, House Sparrows also large quantities, odd Wood Pigeon, Collard Doves, Coal Tit, Black Birds and today 14 plus Magpies all at the same time trying to get at the feed that I put out late last night.

All the usual birds have started to return to the feeders. Great Tits, Blue Tits, Greenfinch, Coal Tit. Ground feeding birds Black Bird, Robin, Dunnock, Magpie, Collard Dove, Wood Pigeon and what I think was a Chiff Chaff in the Silver Birch tree.

On a walk around Kielder Water came across a number of these Dragon Flies and this one stopped to rest a while. Could not move a lot being on a wooden walkway and to remove the grass stalks s/he would have flown away.

A walk along the River Tweed in Peebles and this heron decided he was staying put.

A mornings walk around the farm we where on I came across a flock of Lapwings. They decided they would move over to the other end of the field, at this point a Sparrow Hawk came charging through them and splitting them into two groups. Also in the field was a small flock of Starlings they also flew up with the Lapwings. To escape the sparrow Hawk, both groups of Lapwings and the Starlings joined together and started to gain height to be above the Sparrow Hawk. This would be so that the Hawk would not be able to dive at them from above and they would be safer. At this the Hawk flew away and the Lapwings and Starlings decided a new field would be better.

Returning along the farm track I came across a pair of Gold Finches feeding in Thistles, and a large flock of Chaffinches in a corn field that had not yet been harvested. Lots of late brood Swallows about the farm buildings and adjoining fields.

Apart from the above only a few other birds where spotted.

Getting a lot more birds now. Great Tits quiet a few at a time, Blue Tits, Dunnocks counted 4 all at the same time this morning, Blackbirds including young ones, the berries wont last much longer on the Mountain Ash, Collard Doves 4 today, Usual Magpies, Woodpigeons, Greenfinches a lot more visiting odd ones on the feeders others in the Silver Birch Tree. Saw 2 other birds this morning no bins to see properly could have been Chiff Chaff ( pale undersides ) in the Birch Tree flitting about, we have had these in the garden before a few years ago.

Disturbed a young Fox this morning lying in my veg patch, not the first time he/she has been about for a while. He/she is not looking as good as he/she should, tail thin not bushy coat a bit drab not shining, could have mange.

Wont be posting for 2½ weeks, going on Holiday to the Scottish Borders and then to Lancashire for a few days. Will try to keep a record of my sitings while away, camera and scope going with us.

Went on a trip to York yesterday not a lot of wildlife anywhere only a load of Woodpigeons anywhere to be seen.

Today first Greenfinch for quiet some time gave us a visit along with Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnocks, Robin, Collard Dove, Woodpigeon and Blackbird, the Blackbirds are eating the berries of the Mountain Ash I have in the garden. Every year they are all gone by the Autumn none left for the Winter. This morning opened the back door and looking at we from down the garden was a young Fox. We have seen one about from time to time during the early part of the day up to mid morning.

My walk around midday took in variety of places canal, wood and reservoir. The usual water birds Moorhen, Coot, Mallard and Heron. Also over the reservoir a Buzzard and in the surrounding wood Jay, Woodpigeons seem to be everywhere. Large White, Small White, Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood Butterflies. Towards the end of our walk I came across a Elephant Hawk-moth Caterpillar walking across a footpath. Not carrying my camera I missed out on a photograph, I moved him to a safer place. I have not seen one of these for years the last one was in my own garden feeding on Fuchsias, would love to see the adult moth of this caterpillar, photographs of them look great.

This Rabbit didn't seen to be frightened of people at all.

2 moths the one above is a Large Emerald both where in a hide on the far end of Lake Vyrnwy

These where taken from the hide at lake Vyrnwy the feeders are always atracting a range of birds here, being right on the edge of the wood. below on the ground where Pheasant, Robin and loads of Chaffinches plus a couple of Squirrels.

A few more birds this morning. Long Tail Tits one sitting puzzeled on the feeder pole waching Great Tits feeding, Blue Tits, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Magpie, Heron flew over.

Hope the molt is over and we get a lot more visitors. No sign of the Greenfinches used to sit like book ends on the feeders. My female Blackbird has been missing for quiet some time used to come and ask for food.

Going away in two weeks time I will fill all the feeders, but if they empty them no one to fill them up again untill I return. Hope the birds wont desert me.

Out and about in Mid Wales.

Spending a few day with my daughter and grand-daughter at their caravan at Penybontfawr.

Lots of Jay's about here with Chaffinches, Coal Tits, Great Tits, Robin and Wood Pigeons most days. Went to Lake Vyrnwy on Thursday, at their reserve where lots of Siskin and Chaffinch on the feeders with odd Nuthatch and Pheasant.

In one of their hides at the far end of the Lake we found a Large Emerald Moth, but no signs of any birds.

Hope to put a few photo's on when I'm back home.

Still only odd birds visiting , mind we have had builders next door for a few days putting a new roof on an out building.

Seen a few butterflies around over the past few days mainly Small and Large Whites. Not had my Camera out so no photo's.

Activity has declined. Only odd birds comming to the feeders.

Squirrel been chewing my table feeder to get at the fat balls, must find a way to stop him/her.

I seem to have lost a few birds.

Last couple of days I have not seen any Great Tits, up untill then they have been emptying the Black Sunflower seed feeder within about 3 days. Filled it up 2 days ago and it is still full.

Had the odd Blue tit taking some Sunflower seed and nuts. Robin and Dunnocks feeding on the table but that is it, Blackbird finding food around the garden, Magpies after what they can find, with odd Woodpigeon and Collard Doves. Still no sign of any Greenfinches or the Chaffinch that gives us a visit now and then, not to mention the Great Spotted Woodpecker, he or she must be visiting before we are up.

2 photographs from yesterday afternoon, the Collard Dove along with Magpies, Dunnocks and Blackbirds clean up all that is thrown out of the seed feeders.

Today early this morning within about 20 minutes we had 4 House Sparrows, 3 Blue Tits, 1 Blackbird, 5 Dunnocks, 7 Great Tits, 2 Woodpigeons and 1 Magpie. Apart from the Woodpigeons and Magpie the rest of them where here feeding either on the seeds, a table on the ground or the lawn and under a tree. The trees ( Silver Birch and Corkscrew Hazel ) are close to the feeders and used to take seed or pieces of nut back to eat in safety.

Woodpecker was here again this morning and stopped on the nuts for quiet some while.
Still a group of Great Tits here getting through a lot of Black Sunflower Seeds, odd Blue Tit, Dunnocks, Woodpigeons everywhere, Robin occasionally pair Collard Doves and the usual Magpies. My female Blackbird is missing I think she maybe over in the Dingle with here young ones.

Well another nice visitor today.

Filled the feeders this morning and was watching a Great Tit and 2 Blue Tits on the nuts and sunflower seeds, along came a Magpie and landed in the Birch tree. He then moved down a branch and the Tits flew off, I then saw what had frightened them a Sparrow Hawk flew low down the garden it seemed to come out of the Birch tree. Changing my position to see if it had landed by the pool, yes must have been thirsty, it then flew up on the line post and I got a better look. The garden was dead for quiet some time after.

Tried a new way of feeding the Robin and Dunnocks with a table with mesh all round and a larger mesh frame over the top, this to stop the Magpies and Squirrel. This evening a Squirrel was inside the outer frame but unable as yet to get at the food on the table, I'm hoping that it will work and not have any problems from them.

Another visit from the Great Spotted Woodpecker, always early morning. Other birds visiting feeders Great Tits have counted up to 7 at a time, Blue Tits, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Dunnocks, House Sparrows, Robin, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove and usual Magpies.

I have not seen any Greenfinches for a while.

Great Spotted Woodpecker was a early visitor this morning 6-45, then returned mid morning but being in the garden he only stopped on the Birch tree then flew off.

Other visitors today,Great Tits, Male Chaffinch, House Sparrows, both Dunnocks, Blue Tit, Magpie and Woodpigeon.

Fairly quiet today.

A family of Blue Tits passed through the garden this morning, the Great Tits and House Sparrows have been feeding well on the Black Sunflower seeds, the only other visitors are the Woodpigeons, Dunnock, Magpie and Blackbird who is still feeding young.

Usual group of Great Tits plus Dunnocks, House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Magpies, Woodpigeons, Robin and a male Chaffinch, also a Great Spotted Woodpecker gave us a visit twice today taking a feed of nuts.

Feeders needed filling been a while since last fill.

Great Tits been 4 around for a few gays now looks like some of them are young ones. Robin , Dunnock, House Sparrows, Blue Tit and the return of the Coal Tit. Usual Wood pigeons and Magpies plus a Lone Collard Dove.

This morning at the bottom of next doors garden in a Laburnam tree was about 12? ( didn't count them properly ) Magpies all shouting out and in the middle was 2 Crows, don't know if there is a Magpies nest there or a young one, but I unfortunatly disturbed them. A few years back I witnessed a Crow kill a Magpie with another Crow keeping away other Magpies. Will have to check out if there is a nest there.

Seen a few more birds today.

Blackbird, Robin, Woodpigeon, Magpie Greenfinch, Collard Dove, House Sparrows, Dunnocks and Great Tits with young trying to use the feeders.

The Squirral is becoming a pest, I need to get some more feeder guards to stop him getting at the food.

Not a lot of birds showing, feeders still quiet full.

Today I have seen the Robin first time for a few weeks, pair Dunnocks couple Great Tits, House Sparrows, and my friend the female Blackbird and a Wood Pigeon. That is all, they must be finding food over in the Dingle.

Two photo's of Wild Orchids taken today. These are two of 100's growing in this small area of wet land, noticed them last Wednesday on a walk for health run by Walsall Council.

Above is a selection of photo's taken in North Wales Spring Bank Holiday Week.

Today a few visitors House Sparrows, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock and Blackbird.

Passing through this morning was a family of Long Tail Tits, been a few months since I saw any here.

Still very quiet on the bird front.
A few regulars including a Coal Tit this morning, first one for a long while. I have a female Blackbird that will follow me around untill I feed her, but will only come to within a foot no closer.

Not been a lot of birds about.
The usual Greenfinch. House Sparrow. Blackbird, Dunnock, Magpie and collard Dove, Been very wet the last 2 days although not here during daytime on Saturday. Odd young birds but no young Chaffinches, last seen Friday evening like little balls with no movment whatsoever for quiet a while.

Not the amount of birds about there used to be. Great Tit, Greenfinch including a young one, Collard Dove, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Sparrow and this morning a male Chaffinch with 3 younsters. I think he was just showing them where to get some food, because he flew off leaving them here, but this afternoon he was back with the young ones and feeding them.

We have been on holiday to North wales and have sorted out a few photo's above.

First one taken at Conwy RSPB of a Lapwing.

Second one a Black Swan also at Conwy.

Third one a Nuthach at Pen-y-Bont-Fawr.

Four a Redstart had a nest, only managed to get a few photo's of the female when she decided to leave the nest for a short while. This nest was situated in a wall around a old garden only a few feet away from our Caravan.

Five the Caravan Club CL. Also in this wall that took in three sides of the old garden was a Blue Tits and House Sparrows nests.

The trees on the remaining side being a mixture of Apple, Cherry, Fir, Chestnut and others was full with a variety of birds including a family of Woodpeckers.

As you can see from above we visited the RSPB reserve at Conwy. I still have a lot of photographs to plough through.

On returning home straight away plugged in the tele for a look at the nest box too late the Blue Tits have flown, heres to next year and another brood.

Last day before hols.
Not expecting to see the Blue Tits leave the nest box, they are growing fast. We have at last counted 8 of them, the cup /depression they are in has had to stretch outwards. The Great Tit in next doors garden went through the hole but came out through the roof. The roof of the nest box was knocked off earlier in the year and not replaced properly, its the first time its been used by any bird.
Birds in the garden today, Magpie swinging on a seed feeder, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Dunnock, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Collard Dove and Blue Tit.

Wednesday

Young Blue Tits now showing signs of feathers on their wings both parents working hard to feed them all.
Birds seen today in the short while that I have been at home. Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit it was weeks ago the last one I saw here, Blackbird, Magpie, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock and House Sparrow.

A long Tail Tit taken in the garden a few weeks ago.

Yesterday Sunday.


Young Blue Tits in the nest box are growing fast now, it looks like some are getting buried beneath others and still having a job to count them properly.


Visitors to our garden, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Magpie, Collard Dove, Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Black Bird and Starlings. The Starlings noticed that more food had been put out and where taking beakfulls to there young.





Today


Not been around much only seen Magpie, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Greenfinch. I usualy take a walk around the garden at different times of day just to see whats growing, this afternoon I noticed next door that a nest box was in use by Great Tits, and they where being kept busy feeding young with beak fulls of food going in and waste sacks comming out.

Not so many visitors today. Greenfinch Blackbird, Chaffinch House Sparrow, Dunnock Great Tit and Blue Tit.

Both are feeding the youngsters in the box, pity I can't get any photo's of them. Still having a job to make a proper count of the chicks.

Photo below was taken over the Easter Holiday

I will post some more as soon as I have gone through them.

Pied wagtail having a bath

The usual group of birds today. Greenfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit and House Sparrow on the feeders with the Dunnocks and male Chaffinch collecting everything that is dropped or thrown out of the feeders.

Not sure about the count of the baby Blue Tits in the nest box. Only seem to be able to count 6 at a time, maybe its because they are in a small cup shaped depression in the nesting material.

This evenings sitings 3 Greenfinches feeding on the black Sunflower seeds with a House Sparrow joining in from time to time. On the ground is a male Chaffinch and a Dunnock helped by a Wood Pigeon to clean up underneath the feeders.

Haven't looked much at the Blue Tits today, but noticed them flitting back and forth to the nest box.

Latest check and I have now counted 8 mouths after food every time a bird enters. Tonight one of the parents bought in a large caterpillar, I thought no way will one eat that but one did.

In the garden around the feeders today I have seen Greenfinch, Chaffinch a pair, Dunnock, Blackbird, Magpie,Woodpigeon and House Sparrow.

Back home from Malvern Show and now we have youngsters in the nestbox.

Not sure how many did count 6 mouths mother is still sitting them dad comes and feeds chicks and partner.

Female Blackbird came and asked for some food today, she has not been for a while. Last year she was after food most days.

In March 2008 I returned home only to find that a murder had been committed, the culprit is in the photo above. This is not the first time that one has been in my garden, but the first time that I have seen 0ne. Very often I find lots of feathers about. This is possibly the best photo out of 38 that I took through double glazing.

Hi
To start with I have a nest box with a camera inside. Late March a Bluetit started to inspect the box. Beginning of April she was very industrious pecking at the floor and sides taking pieces of wood off from everywere. Large pieces where taken out and others left in the box.

She then began to build a nest, I thought Ok will see the eggs as they are laid, but I was going away on holiday. Thoughts of coming back to a batch of eggs after 2 weeks away. On returning home on the Sunday no eggs. First thing Monday morning and first egg laid and 1 each day for 8 days, last egg on Monday 27th April, she has been sitting on them ever since. Now waiting for the first chick to hatch.