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[CLKD]

We looked at the cost of running a pond heater for the amount of water we have .......... too dear 

Fish naturally go into the depths of the water when it is colder.  That is why they do not require feeding because it rots in the gut as the fish are less active. 

[ellie]

Our heater is just a fish tank heater and only used in the pond to keep a small hole free if the pond freezes. In 2010 we lost a few fish because of the ice.   Our pond is quite deep so the fish would have gone down to the bottom, but because it became impossible to keep the pond free of ice, the gases given off by the plants would have built up.  That is why we bought the pump. It costs very little to run.

[CLKD]

The heater whcih would suit our pond size is a 2Kw  ........ fortunately there has been a thaw over night ........

[lady57]

Can anyone help, there is a lone bird that visits our feeding station by itself and we would love to know what it is. From a distance it looks a bit like a small thrush or female blackbird, sort of muted brown but with a different tail however close up it has greeny yellow tinge to its underbelly, it's a pretty thing, very understated.   

[Taz2]

Not sure Jane - are you sure it is as big as a blackbird and what sort of tail does it have? We will uncover the mystery of the lone bird visitor

Taz x 

[lady57]

No Taz2 it isn't, i meant a small thrush or a small female blackbird about two thirds the size. My husband said are greenfinches really green because it definitely has a greenish tinge to its belly plumage. It is a clinging feeder too like the tits so i know it isn't a blackbird as they are ground feeders arent they? It has a similar tail to a finch, might be greenfinch we have goldfinches.  We have sent for a bird book from the RSPB 

[Taz2]

That's cleared that up then - it will be a greenfinch. It is a bit worrying that it is on its own though as they are usually in flocks or at least a few together. Male and female greenfinches are different. The female colours are much duller. They are about the size of a sparrow.

Taz x

[lady57]

that sounds right i thought it was a sparrow to start with but on closer look it isn't, i think it will be a female as it is quite dull in colour. The goldfinch came alone at first now brings its friends but the greenfinch has always come alone.

[Taz2]

Billy no mates then! 

[CLKD]

We have the odd single greenfinch these days whereas 12-15 years ago they flocked here in 20s/30s  ...... not many of anything for the last 2-3 winters 

[Taz2]

Your area may still be badly affected by Trichomonosis CLKD. This decimated the population a few years ago and some areas are taking a long time to recover.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Ithink that is the case in this area.  Not many of any ............

[lady57]

Our RSPB book came today, it really is very good. The bird is a greenfinch, a juvenile female, perhaps she will bring some friends in time too........

[CLKD]

2 pairs of black caps
2 males and 1 female reed bunting
a few long tailed tits, in and out
a few tits/blue and black
several blackbirds
2 fieldfares
4 pied wagtails
1 robin
starlings went after breakfast

next sunday is the big british bird watch ......

[CLKD]

2 fieldfares eating apples
our first siskin of the Winter 

Live meal worms arrived, phew!