Wednesday 19 December 2018

Out and About

This will likely be my last post before the holidays as life seems to have been overtaken by Christmas and crazy work busyness (not to mention the stinking cold that has struck, at the worst possible time as usual!!).

Even though the days are short at the moment i've managed to get in some garden watching and the birds and Squirrels are non stop all day long. We only get one or at the most two Squirrels but recently we've had four. We have an old hanging basket by the patio doors so have been putting nuts in there, it's been popular not just with the Squirrels but Coal Tits have been using it and sneaking in when the Squirrels aren't looking.

Not everyone's favourite but I love watching them









There is a good roost of Sparrows by the garden still and they spend the day by the bird bath and devouring sunflower hearts from the feeders.



There has been an increase in numbers of Goldfinch, Blue and Great Tits, they seem to be in the garden from dawn till dusk. We've had the odd Goldcrest, Wren and Dunnock too. Blackbird numbers have increased and they spend a long time picking at the lawn. A Sparrowhawk tried to grab one of the Blue Tits early one morning, it failed but gave some beautiful views as it sat on the fence for a minute.




Some of the Black-headed Gull flock that roost near the house


Down in the woods it's been a bit hit and miss with the birds, we've seen a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk down by the Pit Hill fields, lots of Woodpigeon, one morning had both Song and Mistle Thrush in the woods










There's been some beautiful foggy mornings





The resident rats


We took a walk in Dartmouth park one morning and noticed one of the trees had lost one of its main branches, it was full of Blackbirds.




There's a tree nearby that is full every year of berries and if you time it right it's full of birds - Blackbirds, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, it's lovely to watch.


The walk to work has also been full of birds, the Gulls that roost near the house spread out and most seems to head to Morrisons spending their time hanging about the lamposts along with Crows, Rooks and Magpies. In the park there's often a large charm of Goldfinch, up to 40 at times. I finally saw my first Redwing back in the park last week though none since. Two more days of commuting and that's it till the New Year!

A couple of the photos taken on my new phone from the walk to work, believe it or not without any filter!






11 comments:

  1. Squirrels have certainly become a bit of an urban problem. Today at one point I counted nine in my backyard and they consistently drive birds away from the feeders. Not only that but they seem to find new ways to destroy feeders too. They are cute little critters but they have taken advantage of suburban life in ways unimagined. A friend of mine recently had them in his attic and they did a good deal of damage.

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    1. They have and of course there is the whole other issue here of how they decimated the Red Squirrel population, they certainly are a problem despite their cuteness! I've had friends where they've caused damage in their house too and of course i've had feeders destroyed over the years though they aren't too bad with that.

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  2. A lovely set of images Pam - lovely to see your garden squirrels and birds and read all about them. We have a couple of squirrels here - and I love watching their antics. They can get at food on the bird table but I must admit I have put a baffle on the feeding station pole to stop them getting at the feeders as David says they ruin them.

    Hope your cold is better soon - I have a chest infection so can really sympathise.

    I hope you and your family have a really Happy Christmas.

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    1. Thank you :) They are fun to watch, so far so good on the feeders though, I keep plenty of nuts out for them!

      Oh poor you, I hope you're feeling better soon too and in time for Christmas. Have a lovely one yourselves :)

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  3. We have had an increase in the numbers of goldfinch, blue tits and great tits recently as well as the collard doves and blackbirds which we didn't see much in the summer. The starlings come in and take all the nibbles if they can. I love watching the squirrels in the garden too. I'm still coghing from the cold I had, hope you feel well again soon. Have a wonderful Christmas:)

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    1. Ah you as well, everyone seems to get a cold at the same time don't they and a lingering cough is the worst, I hope it clears up soon.

      Have a good Christmas yourself :)

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  4. Your phone makes good photos! Lovely birds, anf other critters, I love the foal, so sweet. I hope it warms up for you. Enjoy your Holiday!!

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    1. Thanks Sondra, have a good holiday too :)

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  5. A beautiful collection, especially those foggy mornings!

    Wishing you a happy and relaxing christmas!

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    1. Thanks Louise, I hope your Christmas has been good! :)

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