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[Hurdity]

Hey there - hope you're all going to do the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch - it's in a couple of weekends time..... https://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

My husband always does it (the RSPB Birdwatch!) up in our orchard, but I'm going to do it as well in our small front garden where the bird feeders are - not that there is much going on there at the moment - especially as he has just dug out a mass of invasive shrubs (Kerria) and cut back the hedge bordering our neighbour as it was getting high. Mind you the birds may well prefer it a bit bare, as our cat won't be able to hide quite so easily now!

Sadly seem to be fewer long-tailed tits coming than a couple of months ago - only saw 3 today whearas there used to be a flock of 7-8 

Hurdity x

[Taz2]

The weather is really mild though Hurdity so they probably don't need to come into gardens as much as in normal winters. Mine range from a couple to ten over the weekend. They fly into the garden twice a day and sort of race around it from bush to bush and tree to tree before taking off again. Thought you might like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc_M0sAFk40

Taz x

[CLKD]

I don't do the Bird Watch any more, did it for 5 years ……… the BTO ran it then and I could never understand the results 

[Taz2]

The BTO run a weekly one now but you have to subscribe a small amount to take part. I used to do the annual one but found it didn't give a true picture at all of the birds which visit my garden due to the fact that you only have an hour to watch in. Two years running the woodpecker appeared ten minutes after the hour finished 

Taz x

[CLKD]

  ……. ……… we had a woodpecker briefly on Friday.

[Limpy]

Sparrow Hawk has started flying past the bird feeders again   

[Millykin]

My neighbour feeds the birds our back garden has a small fence between us and it's great to see some of the different birds. My cat sits on our decking watching all the goings on (too old to chase now) then you get the smart squirrels who appear now and again dismantling feeders.

[honeybun]

I did the bird watch thing last year and then wished I hadnt. I was bombarded with telephone calls and emails from the RSPB wanting me to set up a direct debit. They would not take no for an answer and were quite rude on the phone. I eventually blocked the emails and did not answer the phone. It was awful. So I won't be touching this years garden watch which is a shame as I enjoyed it a lot.


Honeyb
X

[CLKD]

Trouble is, most Charities out-source their mailing lists etc.  - a letter to the HQ at Sandy should have stopped all the phone calls etc., there's even a word for it ……. 'chugging' 

Apparently the jay was in the back garden earlier.  We had sunshine first thing [well 1st thing for us  ] and did some more pruning.  Now it's drizzling 

[CLKD]

We have been watching a greater spotted woodpecker on one of the nut feeders.  For the 1st time it has stayed pecking for 20 mins before flying off, we have over the years seen 1 intermittently and very briefly .......... all the birds are busy on the feeders, good job I ordered more live worms this morning     as snow is forecast 

[Hurdity]

Wow CLKD - we only get ours (greater spotted woodpecker) on the feeders during the breeding season - although I can hear it calling (and drumming) in the trees in the vicinity.

Taz - that's amazing thanks - yes it has been incredibly mild this year - typical - the year I've got four different types of feeders instead of two (not that I'm wishing a hard winter on anyone - but I've only worn gloves twice!)! I thought those woods were near us (because of the name) but see they're probably the Dartmoor ones of the same name.... yes ours race about too - I can hear them "seep"ing from the window of the upstairs bedroom I work from which overlooks the front garden and feeders.

Hey girls - don't let a phone call from RSPB put you off registering for the survey! Sorry to hear you were put off honeybun but they are a very worthwhile charity - bought my husband membership for his birthday - which he asked for (Xmas Eve...). All you need to do is click unsubscribe if you don't want to get any e-mails....

Taz - you could have done another hour and then included it!  This particular survey is aiming to give an estimate of population sizes ie abundance rather than diversity - so the fact that the woodpecker didn't visit your garden during that hour you chose probably did give a true picture if you see what I mean.  I think so many people take part that the results although crude do demonstrate general trends (though I haven't been following it!) - if people are honest!! However I think the species diversity like you are saying - all the species of birds that visit would also be good, and would be great if RSPB did this too - mind you I can't imagine being glued to the window all weekend just to record every species but one could do it over say a week or something and just record species? Unless it turns cold I am thinking I might see and record nothing!! Husband is going to tempt them (fieldfares etc) into the orchard grass by putting out all the apples hidden in the long grass that haven't rotted yet!

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

I mixed pork dripping fat with LOTS of seed/robin mix/meal worms - a HUGE pot full, it's all gone  mainly blackbirds taking it.  We have 2 young blackbirds from last year around the garden, they keep a wide eye out for their Dad  …. several pied wagtails, magpies, the sparrows have been SO noisy today  …….

DH has this moment found a peacock butterfly in our hall.  It is moving it's wings slowly and there is a scratching noise  - he's going to put it somewhere cooler.  The ideal place would be our garage where we store the camper but there are spiders' webs in there  …….. must take care with the hoovery-thingy next week!

[Hurdity]

Don't forget the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch - last day today! I did mine yesterday and my husband is doing it today (different area). It's still not too late and you don't have to be a member! All you need is a spare hour and somewhere to sit and watch birds (can be inside if you can see your garden/feeders) - and be able to identify the common garden ones...
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

Hurdity 

[thorntrees]

Did mine yesterday, for once the birds co operated and were busy on the feeders in the sunshine. We are pestered by squirrels who are very cute but defeat all our attempts to keep them off the bird feeders, I get through loads of seed andif I put fat balls out they think its 'Christmas'. They come on the patio and tap on the window!

Thorntrees

[CLKD]

   I have a blackbird and a robin that follow me around the garden    Squirrel feeders do work but are pricey!  Next door are getting a puppy