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[CLKD]

In the Winter we get siskins which left quietly mid-Spring and the goldfinches stayed until mid-May this year. 

[Taz2]

Our goldfinches stay all year which is so lovely. The bullfinches also stayed this year though they normally disappear around March time. I can only think it is because the sunflower hearts were put into a feeder with a large tray this time and they seem to love sitting in the tray instead of just perching as they had before.

Taz x

[oldsheep]

Got up this am to see both pigeon parents staring in the window as if it's my fault. Their baby was killed early this morning. Usual culprit, the rooks or whatever they are. Just traces of blood on the pebbles.
I know that they are ' just' feral pigeons, but their dedication to their young throughout all this deluge weather was touching.
Horrible.

PS the birds are, I'm told, carrion crows. Inner city predators. Vile things.

[Taz2]

Silly pigeon parents - they obviously took their eyes off the nest for a minute or two. Carrion crows are very intelligent. It is unusual for them to take a live chick at this time of year - they still prefer carrion even though they have moved to the inner city. I would have thought a  magpie would be more the culprit. Upsetting either way.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Nature in the raw    .......... our blackbird disappeared for 5 days, he's back  now, chirping gently for meal worms 

[oldsheep]

Silly pigeon parents - they obviously took their eyes off the nest for a minute or two. Carrion crows are very intelligent. It is unusual for them to take a live chick at this time of year - they still prefer carrion even though they have moved to the inner city. I would have thought a  magpie would be more the culprit. Upsetting either way.

Taz x

I think they flew off to get food. I didn't see the culprit this time. Last time it was a crow. Could have been a magpie as there are loads of them too. I did see a crow hanging about later on though. I don't much care for pigeons, but felt v bad for the parents.
Btw the other bird I asked about is a jay, another member of the crow family. Too many crows and magpies round here.

[Taz2]

They can be attracted to spilt food mrs purple. I must admit it has never bothered me and I know that the mice feed from the saucers because one cold, frosty night I went out to fill the seed feeders so that the birds could feed first thing in the morning. We have a street light outside the garden fence so I could see what I was doing. Anyway I thought the feeder was a little heavier than usual as I lifted it down but carried it into the utility room to fill it up. I put the feeder down on the shelf and there, looking back at me, was a terrified mouse. It stayed while I filled the feeder up and then jumped off when I went back out into the garden. I obviously run a Mouse Cafe.

Oldsheep - because Jays have such stunning colouring most people don't realise that they will take live chicks when hungry. They moan and groan about the magpies and jackdaws but not the Jays or Woodpeckers. Another case of it depending on what you look like as to whether you are liked or not!!

Taz x

[changesbabe]

Hey Taz - I was thinking of you the other day and remembering how your dad inspired a love of all things nature in you - have any of your kids picked up this appreciation of nature from you?  I would imagine they would have but just wanted to ask. xxx

[Taz2]

No - they think I am mad 

[changesbabe]

  ha kids - who'd have them! Xxx

[CLKD]

We feed chickens, quails and wild birds and haven't seen a rat in 15 years.  Mice a plenty ........ local cat waits outside the quail run for  me to empty the traps every morning 

[CLKD]

We don't have pigeon poop as we have cats visiting and the pigeons tend not to be that close to the house.  Now chicken poop  is slippery    ....... but using hot water and a very firm brush: or waiting until the poop has dried: either way it cleans up OK!

[CLKD]

 we have a jet-washer to use now that the ban is over!

[CLKD]

Not really, my sense of humour 

[CLKD]

Did you get far with the dog?  (little steps)

Have eaten our chicken dinner, now stuffed 

Our blackbird is chirriping softly again