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[Hurdity]

We have lots of cover in the hedge bordering the veg garden at the back and an orchard full of birds voles and other wildlife behind that, - next to fields - but the feeders and bird table are in the (small) front garden which borders the lane and other building. They are there so that we can see them from inside the house! Nothing much has changed in the garden re cover recently although I did cut down all the 12 foot high hollyhocks which grew last year in the autumn, so maybe there just isn't enough for them to perch on - just some deciduous bushes. As I said our neighbours at the back have loads of feeders in their long gardens next to the orchard so the birds are definitely being fed well - I just want to see them like I used to!!

Hurdity x

[Hurdity]

I know I last posted on here but just had to say that on Dartmoor yesterday I saw a lizard on top of a tor! In March! I was amazed! It slithered past me and then stopped and stared at me for at least 10 secs before hiding again!! It was warm and sunny though....

Also the moor was full of meadow pipits singing and parachuting down, skylarks singing, and stonechats flying about too - felt really spring-like.

Hurdity x 

[Taz2]

Was it one of these? http://dartmoor-nationaltrust.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/lizards-emerge-at-plymbridge-woods.html

Sounds lovely Hurdity. I had a wander in our local forest but didn't see any adders or lizards.

Taz x

[Trey]

Yesterday Russ and I and the pups went out for a test run of our RV and noticed five doves flying along side us over a narrow canal of water that was just off to the edge of our road.  We followed them for about three miles.  They were flying up to 55 miles per hours.  Fascinating.

[Taz2]

I always find it amazing how fast birds can fly especially the migratory ones on their long distance flights. They cover a huge distance every day.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Over-Sat. night we had 5 tete a tete daffs come up and burst into flower 

[Hurdity]

Yes Taz it was a common Lizard - a brown one.  Thanks for the link. I see they emerge normally mid March and I guess I was surprised to see one so early - but then again we haven't had a proper winter, although I presume they must have hibernated for a while. It was on Longaford Tor above Wistman's Wood.

Saw and heard our Blackcap singing today...

Hurdity x

[Taz2]

I love Blackcaps although they are only in my garden in the winter. I was listening to the Dunnock this morning and was pleased to hear an answering call - hopefully not a rival!!

Taz x

[ariadne]

Tonight we were treated to a murmuration of starlings. I have only seen them on TV before so was thrilled. Hubby and I stood on the patio and I videoed it on my phone. At one point they swarmed over our heads and I recorded my husband saying "There's thousands of them - its fantastic!" Followed by "Aaagh - one of them just s**t in my eye the b**t**d".

And it really had - huge dollop right in the eye. He retreated inside while I carried on filming.

I rang my neighbour to go and watch them and afterwards he rang back to thank me and say that he hasn't seen it since he was a young boy (he's in his 70's) He was thrilled.

Ariadne xx

[Hurdity]

They are amazing aren't they ariadne? I used to see them a lot in Somerset - massive clouds of them especially at sunset. I was indoors at work though so no chance of a dollop! 

Great to have them on film!

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

We watched them in Aberystwyth night after night after ……….. years ago around the Pier and more recently, around the burned Pier in Brighton ……..

[purplenanny]

We had two beautiful butterflies in the garden today, one orange and the other yellow. I have only ever seen the small yellow butterfly.

Also a huge big bumblebee,  he was gorgeous!

PN x x

[Hurdity]

Another year another jackdaw down the chimney!!

Some of you might remember last year I mentioned one came down while we were away in April and caused huge mess in our house - but my husband didn't see the necessity for a proper mesh cap thing ( we have a clay hood but this doesn't work!) - I know several of you suggested it!!

This morning I heard the ominous rustling again so removed the carrier bag which was stuffing the gap between the register plate and the (stone inglenook) fireplace (it's an old cottage), and opened the window hoping it would find its way out! Later on coming home this morning - there it was flapping against the window pane right next to the open window! I went in and there was our cat staring at it hopefully! On seeing me (not the cat) it managed to flap off thankfully (they are so big close up aren't they?). As we are going away in April again I finally persuaded my husband that yes we did need proper cap if our neighbours weren't to have clean our house as last year! Result!!! 

Hurdity x

[honeybun]

I hope it did not make too much of a mess Hurdity. I love birds but not in a close up situation. To be honest I am terrified 
I was dive bombed in a free flying aviary when I was little and have been scared of the ever since.


Honeyb
x

[honeybun]

What type of bird is big enough to kill and carry a pigeon?
Yesterday I found blood and feathers on the patio and then later saw a very bizarre sight of something flying over the garden carrying a pigeon. I could not see what it was but it must have been quite big and the pigeon was just sort of dangling by a wing .


Honeyb
x