Usually I'd see my Meadow Pipit in the winter when the weather is really cold. Yesterday it was cold, and the Meadow Pipit must have had difficulty finding "natural food" out there. So, it chose to come here, as did other little birds. It was a real surprise to find it here yet in October.
Female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
This lady has been here daily, and one of my favourite characters.Great Tit, Parus major.
The Great Tits are very resourceful, and started pecking into the wood, as they did when the planter was still in its upright position.Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus
There were 3 of them; And they looked everywhere around the old planter too. I've left it all. There could be bugs hidden in the wood or in the soil even, (?) and I'm sure they will find it one day.
This is where the Wrens usually look for their grub, but cold and hunger gets the creativity going in other birds too.
Perhaps more here?I still see Insects outside, (OK, I do live in the SW of the country!) so I'm hoping they do find them too.
Last week, while I spent a few days in Bantry, Francis started drilling in to the wood, inside the metal pole, as a start for the new diner for the birds. Somehow, however, something went wrong and the reaction into his back means that he can hardly get up/walk/ or lift anything.
(see the 1st Blue Tit picture-it is sitting on the pole. And on this picture of one of the Great Tits)
One of the Collared Doves came to check us out again, the other day; building up a roster and mental list of diners, in preparation for winter.
Male Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs.
He stays rather to the ground, to see what has fallen down. And what it is hidden among the debris.Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis.
Its Irish name, Riabhog mhona, calls it the Cuckoo's nursemaid. Showing that the Meadow Pipit is the preferred foster mum for Cuckoo jnr. (I'd love to know the Irish name-including translation-of the Reed Warbler. Can you tell me this?)You see I never studied Irish because there weren't really enough people around to converse with. So there would be no sense in doing so.)
Dunnock, Prunella modularis
Hungry Robin, Erithacus rubecula.
The house Sparrows, Passer domesticus, came for a bit of food too.
Until the Rooks came to greet the school kids fresh out from class, at the other side of the fence, and crisps and sandwiches needed investigating.
"That time already? OK, lads, let's crossover to the other side for a bit of salt and vinegar."
I don't know the Irish for Reed Warbler, not having been taught Irish growing up in yorkshire - maybe go onto the BWI site? think they have the Irish names. Were all those birds in your garden yesterday? Thats quite a variety. Hope Francis just takes it easy and his back eases.
ReplyDeleteI thought they preferred Cheese 'n Onion. LOL.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
John
Thanks for the comments, guys.
ReplyDeleteSiobhan, the individual Bird information on the BWI website is not finished yet.
And yes, they all came into the garden, that day. Plus the Corvids later too.
Thanks, Johnny,
That's great Yoke. I don't get much variety in my garden, I've planted some Cottoneaster, Pyracantha and Holly to try change that though.
ReplyDeletePlanting natives and shrubs/trees which might offer the birds some food (berries) would bring other visitors to your garden, I feel.
ReplyDeleteWe (the birds and (thus) us profit greatly from the Hawthorn behind our garden. I can only see bits of it, but the birds know where to find it! It offers food (berries) shelter and an escape from predators.
So well done to you for planting more for the birds.
Wonderful photos.
ReplyDelete