Wildlife corner

[Rha]

My father used to say if a robin visits your garden when your in it it’s a visit from someone from heaven who loved you when they were alive. Coming from a local village we heard lots of old wives tales, fables etc. This one stuck in my mind and think that's why I favour this bird.

 

[t-tony]

Those eggs are stunning pal, I have found a couple of reed buntings over the years but neveer found a yellowhammers, both are very nervy birds and will spook easily during nest building, this is the best time to find where they are building but give a wide berth until they have a full clutch, then they are much more commited and wont spook, Yellowhammer is top of my list, I have been watching a couple of males calling, we have good numbers around here this year,

Any land with gorse bushes is an spot to look for yellowhammer nest.

Tony.

 

[Rha]

Sitting here this morning waiting for a visit from the robin, I know Im about ten minutes early 10:20 but getting nervous in case that lively local cat has seen him off. See if I can get pic of him. Yep he was 6min late but didn't come to his normal spot nearer the window, maybe because I put the blind up.

He defo don't like the blind being up. I'll leave it up every morning for a while see if he comes back to his normal spot a lot closer. He actually arrived at 10:36 so I'm not kidding myself it seems. Bit like dogs I think they're good at knowing when it's time you usually take em out.
Perhaps birds have a set pattern they stick to and he really couldn't care less if I'm there or not.

 

[Jack Ratt]

I think most animals are creatures of habit and find security in routine. I take Fred to a secluded spot near to us and we are regularly joined by a cock robin.
There are plenty of greenfinches and bullfinches around too this year, but one former common bird that I haven't seen for ages is the linnet. Don't think I've seen one for a few years now

 

[Michael Burridge]

Great pics Hugh. I took our Fred for an early morning walk yesterday and a stoat ran across the path only about 10ft in front of me. It's the closest I've ever been to one

More new visitors today, a pair of Geese (not sure of the breed?)
View attachment 138773 View attachment 138775
They didn't seem to bothered about my presence and actually came towards me.

Tony.

is that your garden Tony? I'd be fishing if it was mine!

 

[t-tony]

No

is that your garden Tony? I'd be fishing if it was mine!

It's not mine. I sold all my fishing tackle a couple of weeks ago. I was really into river fishing but lake fishing never interested me.

Tony.

 

[Michael Burridge]

Aaaah - I’ll fish anywhere. Just good to be outside

 

[mwpe]

One thing I miss being retired is the return of the Swallows, we used to get loads of them nesting around the offices and other buildings at work.
Here is the friendly Robin.

 

[Michael Burridge]

Nice pic that

 

[mwpe]

A slight change of bird, a little while ago Claire and I disturbed this Buzzard having his lunch.

 

[Michael Burridge]

This red kite flew over the other day, obviously nest building...

 

[Sean d]

This red kite flew over the other day, obviously nest building...View attachment 139121

Belting pic, where are you located, we only get the odd one in Lincs

 

[Sean d]

Found another long tailed tits nest today as well as a few others

 

[Michael Burridge]

Belting pic, where are you located, we only get the odd one in Lincs

Thanks Sean - I'm in Aylesbury, Bucks. they were re-introduced a little way from here back in the 1990s I think and have made an impressive comeback. We used to see one very occasionally but see more and more of them now. Regularly see four or five from our garden but have seen "flocks" of around 40+ over towards High Wycombe so they are a pretty common sight now. Still impressive when they fly low over the rooftops here and you get an idea of their size! I have seen them while I've been fishing actually swooping down and taking a fish like an osprey too!

 

[pgunter]

Apparently a sea eagle was spotted along the Itchen yesterday. Can but hope it’s still around. Red Kites and Buzzards are a daily occurrence here too so it’s getting a lovely place to just sit and watch Mother Nature.

https://www.theguardian.com/environ...kes-up-residence-among-oxfordshires-red-kites

 

[Rha]

The Red kite may be finding things a little harder since the traffic flow in this isolation period has reduced to around 40% which will make it harder for this type of bird that relys on road kill for a large part of its diet. Love watching these birds soaring and making what sounds like a whistling noise. Can remember when in the late eighties they introduced a few from Europe into the Chilterns and my father kept telling me to look out for them as they are rare. You wouldn't think that in 30yrs they would be so common especially in our children hills. We have these birds flying over the house every single morning and I just can't stop myself looking up and admiring their flight. Did read up on this bird a few years ago but think they really were still learning about its eating pattern, sure I read that the Red Kite hasn't the strength to bite through more than very young tender skin of small animals that's why they decided to reintroduce it. Culling of so many over years and years of us thinking it takes small farm animals made this great looking bird nearly extinct. Thank god for the RSPBA. Am ashamed to admit that at age 9-13 was a bird egg collector, not a very good one but still wish I hadn't. My father being the local game keeper new most all the birds by name and their eggs as he also as a youngster was a collector. He didn't discourage me but said I would only be allowed one of each and in no way could I collect to swap, that in our house in the 50s was a definite no no.
Pheasant, rabbit and pigeon were regular Sunday dinner. Couldn't go out now and kill any animal to eat and glad I don't need to. Yes I did accompany him (he bought me a lady's 4/10 side by side) at 12yrs old through to 17 when I joined the Army. Still have his shotgun which I've had deactivated and was supposed to be mounted with pic on wall, but really doesn't suit the decor or so I've been told.

RHA,Roy.

 

[t-tony]

Just heard my first Cuckoo of the year.
Someone in Fenton posted that he saw House Martins (Swallows) yesterday, I've not seen one yet.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

Can you see the face in this picture?

Guess where it is.

Tony.

 

[Dalek]

We have been busy in the garden refurbishing hedgehog houses, 3 of which are occupied, tidied up the bughouse, all recycled, and cleaned out the wildlife pond a bit which is full of newts. Also built a new beehive to add to the other 5.

 

[Rha]

Yep, found two. I’ve saved it and marked it up, won’t post it but will send you a PM.

Roy.