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[Two hoots]

DH just found a newt in downstairs toilet -a first in 37yrs living here. Thought it was dead but it slowly warmed up in his hands. It's now been given new home 'down yonder dyke at the base of a adler tree'. Think we need to start filling some access holes!

 

[CLKD]

At least it wasn't a corn snake.  A few weeks ago a man was in the shower over his bath when one came up through the plug hole  . 

The long-tailed tit flew off so probably joined others in the back garden.  It was busily pecking under the leaves on the apple tree, either for water droplets or bugs, there were 2 blue-tits so it's wasn't lonely.

[CLKD]

I am already having problems with the nyger seed feeders, gold-finches throw the seed everywhere so that the ground beneath has soured.  . I have spent 2 hours clearing up but it isn't easy to get it all up.  Anyone have any useful ideas?

[Taz2]

Nope. It's very difficult to keep the area clean. Smells like dog poo if you leave it - not very garden enhancing 

I have a tray under mine which I empty each day if I remember. Mind you I find the sunflower hearts even worse!

Taz x

[CLKD]

At least other birds are picking up the hearts.  I've put a long tray under the feeders, hopefully it will encourage the ground feeding birds to take the nyger.  I really don't want illness in our avian friends!  I think a 'design' will have to be made with a wooden frame with muslin or gauze stretched over.

[Taz2]

We've tried the wooden frame and gauze - it worked for a while but some seed fell through. It needed sweeping every day or it clogged up when it rained and got smelly.

I've never had success with anything taking the nyger to be honest but you do get a brilliant crop of worms in the fallen seed as it begins to germinate. Robin is always very grateful 

Taz x

[CLKD]

It rained overnight  but birds were bathing and drinking from the new tray  - which will need emptying tomorrow.  I ought to have tipped it a bit so that water ran to one end  . 

[Hurdity]

Fieldfares are back (last week)!! I saw and heard a chattering flock flying through and I'm sure our residents (who presumably overwinter in our patch year after year?) will be back soon feasting on our fallen apples

Hurdity x

[Hurdity]

RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH 2018 - it's not too late!

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?channel=paidsearch&gclid=CjwKCAiAqbvTBRAPEiwANEkyCNPtrbna-ic6i0a16AOuMBf8SrCnUluh3O_aJNTJb62ZHlAMw-zGZRoCEtkQAvD_BwE

You can still do it today if you can spare an hour! I did mine yesterday....

Hurdity x

[dahliagirl]

Whoops - forgot about that! 

Will see if I can get a spare hour to note it down.

This morning (from random observation) I have had loads of blackbirds, pigeons, collared doves and a cat

[CLKD]

Cats are OK - they get birds/animals that aren't well ;-).

Wren busy searching for meal worms
Sparrows squabbling in the ivy
Blackbird was singing at dusk ....... then got scared and flew away 'shouting' a warning
Robin/s about
Snowdrops - tick
Aconites - tick
Hellebores - tick

[dahliagirl]

This one's a killing machine. Not fussy about the age or otherwise of the bird.  I am working on it  (mafia glasses)

[CLKD]

Have you watched the recent programme about cats?  It was interesting. 

[dahliagirl]

Which one was that?

They usually give up after a couple of years and most of them seem to vanish (no idea where).  This one is something else. It had about 6 pigeons, (one under my nose,) last year, that I saw. I am not lamenting the loss of the pigeons as there are more than enough, but I like my birds. It scoots when it sees me now so I am winning 

[Shadyglade]

Get a water pistol. They hate it but it does them no harm.