Bird feeding stations.

Robin, Erithacus rubecella

Greenfinch, Chloris chloris.
2 Males

Pff. keeping that other male off MY food was hard work!

The Greenfinches are definitely very bossy on the feeders, these days
Male Chaffinch and Great Tit, Parus major

Coal Tit, Parus ater

Female House Sparrow, Passer domesticus( right)

Blackcap, Sylvia atriciapilla
Male.

My Duunock, Prunella modularis


Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
Female
Male.


Rook, Corvus frugilegus

Most of my Corvids(Rook, Jackdaws and Hooded Crows. Plus some Magpies) are not very happy with the new set-up at the kitchen feeding station. They have difficulty flying to and landing on the little mesh birdtable, almost tipping it over, where the pole not tied up.
Another, large, birdtable is supplying the Collared Doves, Streptopelia decaocto, the Blackbirds, Turdus merula. And anyone else who comes along.

Tea time in the garden.

It has been a long time since I posted a video, so I'm not sure if this works.

Christmas for the Birds in my garden.

Goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis

Hiya.


Greenfinch, Chloris chloris (Female)

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus. (Male)

Coal Tits, Parus ater.

The Shed motel, a special hide-away for the birds in my garden. Full with wood, fresh straw and probably laden with hibernating Insects.
Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus.



Rook, Corvus frugilegus

Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto



Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs


The Birds had their Christmas present revealed on Saturday when Katja (my Homehelp) and I put the RSPB bird feeding station together outside my kitchendoor on the side of the house. At least now I can see my birds on the feeders, and do not have to sit outside with my camera to capture those feathered friends.
I need them to be close to me, to cheer me up, because I'm going through a real hard time at this moment. Next month it is a year already since Francis died, and it is getting harder as time goes by. A bit against that saying that it will get easier as time goes by. Okay, it is 11 months only, and I still don't eat properly either.
I hope I will manage to post regularly again too.

I did get three new trees, the other week. A Common Alder, Alnus glutinosa, Mountain Ash, Sorbus poterifolia, and a Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa.
Of course these are for the Birds, too. And together with my Hawthorn and Common Hollies, these will create a nice cover against the grey walls of the garden.

A couple of local Waders and others.

Curlew, Numenius arquata



Hooded Crow, Corvus cornix

I've long been saying that Corvids like the Hooded Crow, Corvus cornix, the Jackdaw, Corvus monedula, the Rook, Corvus frugilegus, and the Red-billed Chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, act more like shorebirds than landbirds. Well, they do here anyway. Sometimes I wonder if they might even end up with webbed feet in a few more millenia? Just look in your local harbour or coastline. Just like you will see the Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba, there also.
(Yes, this picture is dedicated to fellow blogger, Old Crow. She, like me loves Corvids, but unfortunately for her, the Hooded Crow has not crossed the Atlantic yet.)
The Raven, Corvus corax, likes feeding on coastal areas too. There is one living on the north side of the Sheep'shead Peninsula, which came feeding in a friend's garden during the harsh 2010/2011 winter.


Common Redshank, Tringa totanus

The Redshank is one of my favourite waders; they are so dainty and their bright red-orange legs light up the grey of the slobs.


And further on, another pair of scarlet tights, this time they were hidden from view though.


Black headed Gull, Larus ridibundus





Oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus

I've been checking for the Common Teal, Anas creca, to arrive to our little estuary in Dunmanus Bay, but when I thought I spotted the ruddy head of the male, it turned out to be the green head of the male Mallard, Anas platyrrhyncos. This was a bit of a disappointment for me, really.


Sorry that I have not been posting for some time now. I'm going through a bit of a rough patch, really.

Friday's chirrups

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

Ever since we moved into this housem we've had trouble with the kids of the estate. Thet used to sit and hang about on top of the roof. Francis replaced the roofing felt 3 times. These days the shedis used by birds, and whoever else needs shelter. Inside, there are lots of quartered fence posts. These were to be the "retaining walls" of the raised beds, which never got buit because all OUR efforts to do so were killed when we found the raised beds flat on the ground, thanks to the local youths.
I'm not sure if I will keep them, and use the 'quarters' or use railway sleepers.



House Sparrow, Passer domesticus.
female
female

Greenfich, Chloris chloris
female
Hoouse Sparrow
male
He's taking advantage of those few moments of Sunshine!

One for the road

From the window in my workroom I have the perfect view on the birdbath. I love watching the birds there. It is just far enough so the Birds are not spooked by movement or reflection of the lens.
I will hang a feeder near the window too, I have just ordered a window feeder with the RSPB, and see how that will work. That would mean I won't get any work done of course!
Anyway here are a few birds;
House Sparrow, Passer domesticus. at the kitchendoor.


Just a last drink, dad..

Was that nice or what..

That was real nice. Wish I could just turn around, and have another sip before bed..


Oy! You are wasting time; off to bed with you.


I'm your dad, and I know what is best for you!


Great Tit, Parus major, looking for natural food (like invertebrates hiding under the capping of this -front-gardenwall. I've often seen Spiders and Insects hide under the overhang of the wall. Nice and dry when it is raining.)


Or perhaps I can find something in the grass. a sure sign that birds still search for natural food despite me feeding them!

A little grit we need as well.
Plus a little food from Yoke, of course.


Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus, at the kitchen window feeder.


Mr. or mrs. Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Mr. and Mrs. Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs