Birding On Wheels

Missing migrants

2012-01-22T13:05:00.003Z

I know it is still winter, (although the Irish Spring starts in a week already, on the first of February.

Even so, I do think we need to take time out to think about those birds which will start their flight north, to be arriving in Europe around March and April.

Many will go missing along the line though. And end up on the dinner table in some Cypriot household, or restaurant. It is the Cyprus equivalent of African Bushmeat, really.

Twice a year, thousands of conservation activists will travel to Cyprus to protest against this ruthless killing of "our" birds. NGO's across Europe, spend millions on bird conservation. Including those birds which come to our shores for their breeding.
And yet, while we are creating suitable breeding habitats, others are setting up mistnets, limesticks, and other incredible cruel traps in feeding areas, in order to capture those innocvent lives.

Each year, millions of migrants go missing on their to- and return- trek to and from Africa.

And despite birdtrapping being declared illegal by the Cypriot and Europan Parlaiment, the poaching continues.

Please read this on the Birdlife Europe website, and sign the petition against the trapping of those poor migrants.
The birds need to migrate due to their diet. During our winter months, You don't find many Insects here in Europe
Please read this, and watch the video at the bottom of the page. Here we
Or if you direct want to go the petition,
Call for action against illegal bird trapping in Cyprus Petition | GoPetition

The migrants to our shores will fly via a different route. Many favour a more direct flight over the Shara and the Rock of Gibraltar, and Spain. Even so, I am still concerned about those Birds which will be captured in a few months time.

Here is a report on the migration of Garden Warblers.

I'd better try again to get some sleep. It being in the middle of the night.

Starlings and brave Siskins.

2012-01-18T22:19:00.008Z

Starlings have discovered that their heads (and the-all-important-bill- can fit right through the gaps in the squirrel guard around the peanutcake feeder. There are only two brave enough to come into the garden, but as we all know, Starlings never come alone! The Corvids are very envious of the Starling's smaller size. They would love to get their hands on this delicacy.

The Greenfinches and House Sparrows seem always in the mood for a few sharp words, once another bird joins their feeder.

The Robin was teasing me by hiding among the twigs, but did pose for me eventually.

The birds will attend my tree-planting ceremony. And I hope that they will appreciate the Rowan, Common Alder and Blackthorn. We have chosen Tuesday, the 24th January, for this. It would have been Francis' 63rd birthday.
It is more appropiate to plant the Rowan in his memory on the day Francis was born, rather than on the day he died. This way we can celebrate his life, instead of the day his heart stopped.

The 6 Siskins seem to be fearless, and they will fend off any of the bigger birds, inspiring the many Blue and Coal Tits to do the same.

I had a beautiful mobile of silver seagulls, which I bought in Whitby in 1974. Several cats have jumped up to it over the years, and now I have only a couple of loose seagulls left. I will try and get some thread on them again, and hang these in the Rowan. Francis loved these little silver birds, as much as I did, and he'd be pleased to have them out in his tree for the day.
I will do a blog on the planting on Wildlife on Wheels.
This blog is still in its hibernation like all the species she covers in spring and summer. Its about time she awakens!

A little baby Rat, still pink-nosed & footed, has braved the wet & windy weather to feed on the dropped seeds. Not very happy with him/her, because I doubt it is the only one in the garden!

January 2012

2012-01-01T23:52:00.005Z

I hope you all had a good Christmas and that you had a good start of 2012. Here it was just me, the birds and the rain/winds. And missing my good old mate, Francis a lot.
I'm having a lot of difficulties with January; I got 3 emotional first anniversary dates coming up on the 24th, the 26th, all leading up to Francis' death on the 28th.
Anyway, here's some of my visitors.

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

Goldfinch, Carduelis

Bird feeding stations.

2011-12-19T18:46:00.008Z

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.

2011-12-11T22:57:00.004Z

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.

2011-12-06T17:29:00.006Z

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.

2011-12-05T18:20:00.011Z

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

2011-10-20T17:08:00.006+01:00

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

2011-10-07T23:41:00.006+01:00

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

2011-09-27T21:07:00.004+01:00

Grey Heron, Aredea cinerea

This heron flew up from just below the wall along the estuary, and just landed at the other side.

This youngster just wants a little attention

Great Tit, Parus major, searching for grubs amidst the weeds.

All this searching makes one vry thirsty

male House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

And this photo is posted specially for a Canadian blogger, under her Google name of Old Crow. I know that she loves this specie's handsome plumage.
So this Hooded Crow, Corvus Cornix, is fpr you!

Female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs.

The number of Chaffs is increasing almost daily; the migrants are arriving from the continent and the Chafflings have now moulted into the adult plumage. They are one of my favourite species, they have very special characters, I think.

Katja, my homehelp, reported that another bird has been killed; she saw a lot of feathers underneath the feeders at the shed.
So I've shifted the big Fatsia japonica next to the shed, hopefully the large leaves will now block the felines.

Farewell to my Greenfinch

2011-09-22T23:34:00.003+01:00

This summer we saw a lot of Greenfinches in the garden, including young ones. The fledglings were gorgeous, and a delight to watch as they set their feet onto the peanut feeder for the first time.
Then a week or so ago, I spotted this one which seemed very lethargic when I came around the corner of the house.
The thought of another bout of Trichomoniasis in my birds made me shiver, because in 2007/2008 this horrible disease decimated the flock of House Sparrows.

The sight of this little Greenfinch in the birdbath did not cheer me up either. I had spotted it earlier underneath the feeder, pecking at the bits of nuts in my windowbox, and when it finally flew of, I took the camera to my workroom, from where I have a good view over the bath.

It did not look too puffed up, nor did it seem to have the swollen throat, as you'd see in birds suffering from Tricho. Something was definitely wrong though.
And although it was hardly moving, its insstinct to hide from me behind the little bee-house, made it more difficult for me to catch the poor thing.

Eventually, I was able to pick it up, but the poor bird had already died in my windowbox.

Some liquid in the feathers on the head seem to have dried up, which I think is something like blood, although I have not yet found any puncture wounds, but I will look for it in the morning. It is very mean that I myself had my cat re-adopted shortly after Francis died, because she had started to chase the birds. On my own I was unable to police her properly, so she had to go. in return what did I get in the garden?
A set of older kittens, from 2 houses down. A nextdoor neighbour with a cat, Lucy. She keeps me company from the gardenwall separating our gardens, during the night when I lie awake. wondering if the pain will ever go away, in return for a bit of sleep.

And to top it all off, a recent set of young kittens, eager to learn from the older set!
So I now have 5 cats in the garden!!! After I got rid of my own..

I myself am now thinking of getting an assistance dog, which can do amazing tasks as help for people with disabilities. Very much like a guard dog for the blind.
Hopefully I would then be able to teach it to leave the birds alone and scare the felines from my patch!
I will phone Fachtna, my vet tomorrow about my little Greenfinch. See what he thinks.

Knock, knock...

2011-07-08T09:15:00.004+01:00

Who's that knocking on my window?

Great Tit, parus major, A fluffy juvenile trying to unfold itself..

into what looks like a little bird.

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
male.

Life is still mad down here. I'm not getting the PA for the time being, that much is clear to me. There seems to be a waiting list of 12-13 people, and with no money available, this is going to be a very long wait. Besides, the fact that you then try and do as much as I can myself. my chronic pains is not only doing over-time, but many new pains keep me awake at night too. Life as such is still passing by as if I'm not in it.

Black and white wings

2011-07-07T20:35:00.007+01:00

Collared Doves, Streptopelia decaocto and Jackdaw, Corvus monedula.

Collared Dove and Rook, Corvus frigulegus

Jackdaws feeding- not always agreeing!

One of the Jackdaw juveniles, being fed by a parent.

and asking for more as soon as mum or dad leaves.

Each year I would be looking forward to our Jackdaw fledglings. This year, however, after Francis' death, I've been concentrating on the garden, and creating my own space in the workroom again. And because I spent less time in the kitchen, I missed the first arrivals and although I've heard and briefly seen the young Rooks and Jacks, I've not taken the time to sit and photograph them. Better luck next year again.

We do have a lot of Magpies, Pica pica, at the moment.

All families Great and Blue

2011-06-22T08:47:00.002+01:00

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

These two little ones are the young of our pair of Blues. I am not sure if there are two or three fluffers in this family.
sorry for the bad quality of these photos, but it was hard to keep that window clean and the birds themselves are soiling it this quick that I am beginning to think they are building a smokescreen to feed in private!

The poor parent is trying to keep both her fluffers happy with bits of nut.

Great Tit, Parus major, Junior.

We have a family of Great Tit, Parus major, with 3 fledglings. I believe that they are trying for another brood as I do not see both parents that often. They share the peanutfeeder up front with their cousins the Blue Tit fluffers.
Junior Great Tit and its 2 siblings.

Unfortunately I have not seen any sign of Coal Tits and possible youngsters yet.

youngsters and feeders

2011-06-20T18:12:00.006+01:00

After the demise of the Fennel and her planter, the Fatsia underwent a hard time during the winter, providing the birds with a birdtable in her tub. The Fatsia is flourishing again, now that the birds are leaving her alone.
I had been sourcing the web for a new window feeder, but in the end I got this one for just 3.30 euro via Kleeneze.
I had to remove the round peanutfeeder, once I discovered that the birds were able to take out whole peanuts through the wider openings in the mesh. As spring and summer were approaching, young birds could easily choke on those whole nuts. So the seed feeder in the front has now moved back onto the shed and my trusty old peanutfeeder has been reinstalled again in the front.

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

This youngster has been dubbed Francy, named after my dear, and late husband, Francis. He would have loved this little one.

Robin, Erithacus rubecula.

This Robin chick appeared one day in the garden when I was outside and had no fear of me, nor my wheels. He was sitting on top of the wall, calling for mum and dad, while I was just a metre or so away. Even the lifting of the camera or the shutter noise did not scare it off, to my surprise! Mind you, it was very windy.

Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto

The pair of Collared Doves have now increased into a trio of Doves.

Dunnock, Prunella modularis

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula
Strangely enough, we don't have any young Jackdaws yet. I love their fluffers, and to follow the changes in their eye colour, their plumage and to see the characters develop, so hopefully they will still manage to surprise me with one of those lovely brown fledglings.

A quick peek around the garden

2011-06-02T18:00:00.008+01:00

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

And Dad of course

Dunnock, Prunella modularis

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

Great Tit, Parus major

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Having had Frouke over from Holland to spend a week here and help with painting the living room, bathroom, and helped me with clearing much of Francis' stuff, has helped me a lot. The help I really need, however, like the PA, is still a long way off. With no money available, the fact that there is a waiting list of 13 applicants is a depressing thought, and after 5 months of hearing that there are no funds available, I am getting the impression it might take up to a year at least to get some sort of result.
It just makes you realise how spoilt I was to have Francis as my 24/7 carer. And I still cry several times a night and also many times a day.

Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

Young Rook from last year.

Dunmanus Catch

2011-06-02T15:20:00.004+01:00

Herring Gull, Larus argentatus .

And down the throat it went.

Full stomach, no wonder it likes to pose now!

At the pier in the Durrus estuary Frouke, my cousin from The Hague, and I spotted this Gull foraging in the mud, taking advantage of the rich pickings at low tide. Jean, my homehelp, asked how long I'd been sitting there to take the picture of said Gull with its crustation. I started shooting as soon as I'd seen its head down in the mud. Lucky it came out so well.
This Swan was relaxing in the Sun. Again, no sign of any offspring.

Mute Swan, Cygnus olor

2011-04-03T12:44:00.002+01:00

Female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

Goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis

Siskin, Carduelis spinus
Waiting for its turn on the feeder in the front garden.
House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

There are quite a number of House Sparrows hobbling about here too.

Dunnock, Prunella modelaris

This pair has been visiting the garden. A few weeks ago, we still had 3 of these lovely little birds. I hope it is around here still.

Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto
They have been about the garden all winter and now into spring. This pair is hard to photograph, as they seem more itchy and easy to disturb, than any of the Corvids,
like this Rook, Corvus frugilegus

The Coal Tits keep themself busy with fighting and scaring their reflection in the windows.

The Starlings have discovered that they can feed from this feeder, and often try to do so. The Jackdaws have started using the round feeder at the side of the house. Nicking peanuts out of the feeder whole.

Male Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

During the winter it looked as if all Chaffinches from all over the village area were descending onto our food, and most of those have stayed put.

Since I haven't any help to put out food onto the shelving on the wall (which served as birdtable during the winter, thanks to Francis, despite the fact that he was very ill already) I have no other choice than scattering it onto the path in the garden, and onto the soil. The disadvantage is that I am now unable to see them from my window. These pictures were taking with the kitchen door open.

The antics of my birds make me smile these days, but inside I cannot help thinking how Francis would have loved to see those moments. Especially in the last weeks, he would hold onto the back of my wheels, to help him stand and watch out of the window, his eyes following the many birds scattering about the garden while his face was showing the pain and agony he was suffering from. Such a pity that the window was way to high to see the birds from a chair.
It is just too difficult thinking of new life this spring while I have just lost such an important person in my life.

And although my application for a PA, as in help, during the day will be reviewed monthly, I don't think I will get one allocated. The application has been denied once, so why would they think different the next time? I'm really fed up with everything, and even finding enough enthusiasm for my photography is difficult at times. With spring and summer coming, this worries me a great deal.

Wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
This Wren, I see often in a flash, and it is always on the lookout for some juicy invertebrate larvae. A nice grub wriggling about between the wall and this shelf perhaps? Of course I was just too late when it flew off.

"Eastern Birds" Richard Crossley's ID Guide.

2011-03-25T14:22:00.003Z

A copy of this book has been on my table or awhile, and because it is a guide different to any other, I keep delving into it.
Crossley has taken digital birding photography and the concept of ID guides to a whole new level. Here you get the specie in its own habitat. But not just from one viewpoint. Here we see several birds showing the reader its front, rear, side view, and in flight, or preening underneath its wing, revealing the underside.
Added into the mix, we also have adult, juvenile or 1st winter, (depending on the changes after moulting.

In short, I am dying for Richard, who is English after all, to come back across the pond, and create a British/Irish version of his American book. Or two books on East and West European ID guides.

Mind you, this is not a field guide. But if you are planning a ,North-East, American birding trip, you definitely need to bring one of these to check your sightings with the many specie samples in the photos.

I'm definitely sold on Crossley's book, and I'll be looking forward to other bird ID books, by this photographer. , I feel that this will be the way forward to new and exiting bird ID guides.

The website Crossley's Birds states that he has two more books coming soon:
The Crossley ID Guide: Great Britain
The Cossley ID Guide: Western Birds.
I know which one I'll be looking forward to!
This website also features interactive pages of the book.

The Crossley's ID Guide, Eastern Birds, is available at Princeton Universiity Press,
554 pages, with 10.000 colour photos. At $ 35.00 or £ 24.

my white capped house Sparrow, Passer domesticus.

2011-03-13T14:13:00.007Z

The other day, I spotted this little House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, whose head seemed very strange

There are no white flowers in flower in this area; so it is not pollen. (my Blue Tits will often show up with heads in summer, covered in pollen. )
Any ideas?

Starling, Stumus vulgaris

The starlings have now discovered the fatball feeder at the front of the house, which is used as battleground between the male Sparrows and the Chaffinches like to play their part in it also.

male Blackcap, Sylvia atriciapilla

Greenfinch, Chloris chloris

A rare moment of a territorial Sparrow sharing with, surprises this little Coal Tit, Parus ater

Trying to find that tastiest nut? Great Tit, Parus major.

male Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs.
Each day, I get about 20 Chaffinches feeding here.

Blackheaded Gull, Larus ridibundus.
Ready to pounce & dive...

or perhaps not.

And across the estury, Curlew, Numenius arquata

Little Egret, Egretta gazetta

I had not been out onto the road since December, due to the ice, and snow at first and then because of Francis being ill. So it was great to visit my local patch again.

February Birds and a Big Blow

2011-03-06T20:10:00.009Z

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

All these photos were taken during January and February. I've not been able to post over the last weeks due to some personal problems at home. (see further down)
I will soon start updating on what is happening here at the moment.
Blackcap, Sylvia atriciapilla
male

Great Tit, Parus major

Blackcap, Sylvia atriciapilla
2 of the 4 male Blackcaps in my garden.

I am sorry for my long hibernation from blogging. I should be happy that spring is here, but it will be an empty one, this year. And the years to come.
One day in January we celebrated the 62nd birthday of my dear Francis, husband, best friend, and carer, and 4 days later, now 5 weeks ago, I had to say a final goodbye to him in the Merci hospital in Cork.
The GPhad diagnosed a chest infection, but in reality he was suffering from kidney failure, blocked Aorta and further blood cloths at the top of his legs.
The post mortom report, due in about 3 weeks, will reveal the extent of all those, and that will hopefully clear up how he died exactly. andwhat/how long he had been suffering from. For more than 3 years he had more and more trouble and pain with walking and breathing. And how that big blood clot in the Aorta developed. (I was assured that it could not have been due to heavy smoking, by my GP, who kept checking up at me for the first 4 weeks.)

While waiting untill I get a PA (personal assistant) I have now home help for 30-60 minutes a day. Just enough to help me into bed.

Not the right time to put out food for the birds. Like filling up feeders in the areas which I cannot reach with my wheels. I am hoping that Cork county council will pave the area between the path and the wall. In late spring, autumn and summer it will be okay for my home helps to fill up feeders, and put out the food, when there is no risk of injury due to lack of light.
So I need to make history, in my quest to get homehelp to help me put out the bird food in the morning. Until now it is not a recognised "need" with the Southern Health Executive, apparently. (yet)
Blackcap, enjoying a banana 'kebab'

I had put this out for the Blackcaps. A friend had told me once how her =Scottish= Blackcaps enjoyed the bits of banana she'd left out in this garden shrub. The shrub soon became the banana bush, because they seemed to love it! Well mine love it too. And it wasn't long before the other birds took to it also. Especially Chaffinches and the Sparrows.

. once Francis had died, however, she did manage her way outside and laid a dead little Sparrow there where I had found Francis, in the bathroom. From then on, it became soon clear that I was unable to police her at the door, and besides she was demanding too much. So, while I needed to try and sort out myself, my house, and get an idea of what next, Niña went on a well deserved holiday in Dunmanway. Sally, the kennel/cattery owner, knew Niña from previous visits, and had the heatlamp warming up her bed, and the birdfeeder next to the window was refilled again that morning. (Here she could watch. but not touch the birds. Every cat unit has a feeder outside its window!)
Niña's photos were placed on the website of Rural Animal Welfare Resources, after I got in contact with the lovely Muriel, who coordinates cat re-homing in and around Bantry. I had sent her photos on the Tuesday and by Saturday my lovely cat went to her new home here on the Sheep'shead peninsula. There she has an acre around the house, to play and roam to her heart's content.
She has settled in very well, whih is a huge relief. It does mean that the house here is now extra silent, suddenly.
This Chaffinch female is blind in one eye after she had been attacked by a local pet.

Our cat had been kept indoors during these days, however

Blackcaps, Sylvia atriciapilla.

2011-01-21T20:02:00.007Z

Blackcap, Sylvia atriciapilla

male
We have 4 male Blackcaps in the garden at the moment. Although originally classified as a migrant bird, there is a small population of Blackcaps which are now resident in the SW of Ireland.
During the cold winter 2009/2010 we had a female visiting the birdtable. She was a very feisty lady and even the House Sparrows and Chaffinches were put in their place whenever they came too close to where she was feeding on the seed and home made peanutcake. The first male which appeared us was a very shy character however and very polite too, whenever other hungry species would come close.
This all changed when another three Blackcaps (all males) made this garden their local diner.
female, March 2010.

Blackcap and Greenfinch.

The Blackcap is feeding on one of the many peanutcake pots and trays, while the Greenfinch prefers the mixed seeds.

I really hope that there is one or more female Blackcaps around as I'd love to see them breed in my area.
One of my 4 males should be able to sire offspring, don't you think?

It is weird that their total keeps growing now that the worst of this early winter cold weather has past. Wonder where they had been hanging around? And will I get any more? If so, can I have a female perhaps?

Mind you, they make great subjects for photos, I think.

Although many of the heavier birds try to steal nuts from the feeder, the Blackcap is the only one which is able to cling on and feed on the peanuts inside the feeder.
Blackcap and Siskin.

A few winter birds sliding by.

2011-01-16T22:24:00.003Z

Because I've had little, to no time lately, I created this little slide with a few images of this last week.
hope you like it this glimpse into the garden. Regular posting will begin again soon.

Siskins lured by new peanut feeder.

2011-01-02T21:27:00.007Z

Male Siskin, Carduelis spinus

Female Siskin. Carduelis spinus

We used to have numerous Finches when we moved here. Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Siskins. The mixed flock would arrive here in October and stay until moving on again in March. They didn't come in the winter of 2006/2007. I did see a pair of Greens and a pair of Goldies in spring. But these only visited a couple of times till early September. On the day the Irish Wheelchair Association came to bring us to Cork Airport, and a juvenile Goldfinch had me clinging to the window. At first I refused to leave ( of course!) So had they all been breeding here all along?
I'd see Goldfinches now and then in the Summer since then. And Greenfinches would visit very sporadically.

Hence my surprise to see a pair of Siskins yesterday and today! I got the birds a new peanut feeder, this winter. Mr. Chaffinch too, has been trying to find his balance, and today I even spotted the Blackcap on top of it.

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Dunnock, Prunella modularis

This lady House Sparrow, Passer domesticus got herself a bit in a twist.
Female.

Why bite of bits of nut when you can pass a whole nut through the mesh. I had no idea this was possible.
House Sparrow, Passer domesticus.
Male.

Great Tit, Parus major

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus
"We want more peanutcake!"

"OK, just give me some time"
Coal Tit, Parus ater

Blue Tit and Siskin

Rook, Corvus Frigulega
I love those 'crest' feathers on the Rook's head.
Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
Female

Male

Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba.

The Collared Doves, Streptopelia decaocto, have been around too, but did refuse to pose for a picture.

Blackbirds take over the garden and the birdfood.

2010-12-26T21:24:00.007Z

Blackbird, Turdus merula, female
Soft bedding!

We have 12 of them now. They have totally shifted over the balance of power. The Rooks, Jackdaws and Hooded Crows, were mostly looking down from the fence at those Black and Brown birds fighting each other for the food. Mind you, it was fascinating to observe those big Corvids, trying to grovel their way into the garden!

In winter, large numbers of Blackbirds and other Thrushes visit Ireland and the UK looking for food and warmth.
Robin, Erithacus rubecula
All 4 Robins had drawn swords, and although last winter the cold weather made some species forget about territories temporarily, not this time around!

Ah! This coconut shell with peanutcake is mine!
The Rooks had managed to drop it off its hook, giving the Blackbirds a little ray of well needed fat and protein. They fought each other for the delicacy inside.

Redwing, Turdus ilacus
The Redwing, a little smaller than our native Song Thrush, was quick to respond to those free handouts.

Stand off between one of the Song Thrushes, Turdus philomelos, and a male Blackbird. The prize? Leftover peanutcake and crumbled fatballs. Among the seed.

Before the snow.
Dunnock, Prunella modularis

Male House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

Male Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

Male Blackcap, Sylvia atriciapilla
Do I see food down there?

In that very cold spell in February, this year, we had a female Blackcap visit the garden until spring. This time, it is the male who needs a good feed. I only discovered him on Christmas Day, when I sat counting the many Blackbirds on the ground, and spotted him down there looking for fallen bits of seed and other food which the Blackbirds might have missed.

After the first snow, I made the big mistake of going outside into the garden to feed the birds. (as you do, right? That is just part of everyday life, right? I did not think that that low covering would be a problem. How wrong I was. Oops. Wheeling over to the 'birdtable' (The Fatsia japonica) I soon realised that I could not get back inside, as my wheels got stuck onto the tracks I had made getting out there. It took me 40 minutes to get back indoors. The distance? A little over a metre! On a certain moment I did have to get out of my wheels and pull her forwards, without pushing her into my legs. Needless to say I almost fell over. Anyway, that was 12 days ago. Today is the first day that I was able to get out ago, after the thaw set in. I was getting claustrophobic, sitting inside all this time. Usually I spent a large amount of time outside, whatever the weather. Even when it was freezing during daytime, in late November/early December, I would still go and settle out in the garden with my thoughts, the birds above and around me.
The thaw has set in with lashing of rain; back to the normal gales and rain. From the south instead of the west. (Atlantic storms with used to be our normal winter weather-pre climate chance-) in other words, no chance for photos through those wet windows.

Eddy, our village shop owner, has helped us out by bringing shopping up to us, during this cold period, a service you only find in these small communities. When I had asked for lard for the peanutcake, I got a six pack of fatballs instead, because he didn't have any. The birds got this for free.

One of the Pied Wagtails, Motacilla alba

Our resident Blue Tits brought a few friends to dinner too.

Territorial bounderies forgotten?

Redwing, Song Thrush and Blackbirds; winter is here.

2010-12-07T19:52:00.005Z

Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos, a Thrush which is resident around the garden and the little road to the factory behind our house.
. In the winter months of this year he/she was joined by one or two from the continent, other birds of the same species which had escaped the cold temperatures of continental Europe. I expect these again this winter. I can feel that it is going to be another severe winter

Female Blackbird, Turdus merula,
We don't see much of Blackbirds during the rest of the year. At least not here. One male (at least) lives in the trees which border the greenery of the council estate and the houses below. He often tries taking seeds from the garden whenever I am not in the kitchen. If he can persuade one of these females to stay for the summer next spring, I don't know. I hope so; because I love juvenile Blackbirds.

Male Blackbird
Here he is; or is it? how can we be sure it is our local Blackbird? We cannot!

Redwing, Turdus pilaris,
I spotted this Redwing in the Hawthorn behind our garden, at the end of last month. They might be our smalles Thrush, but I think they are one of our most attractive birds. I had to take these photos through two fat fences which stand between us and the school next door.

At this time of year, trees like Hawthorn, Rowan and Holly, among others, offer natural food to these birds to help them survive these cold months. Other Thrushes which you may encounter in your garden, (especially if you got apple trees with a few apples on the ground) include Fieldfare)
On the day I took this picture, I wanted to get to the other Hawthorns on the council estate. Snow and ice kept me locked inside my house and garden however. For quite some time. Which caused me to get very claustrophobic. Just not being able to get out of the gate!

Robin. Erithacus rubecula

Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

Great Tit, Parus major.

Worries about my Rooks.

2010-12-07T12:46:00.005Z

Click on the photos for a better view.
This Rook, a juvenile still, has somehow broken the tip of its lower mandible. The upper mandible's tip has now grown downward. Over time the two mandibles will chafe away their original shape as has been happening already.

And here's another Rook, another juvenile unfortunately. He/she also broke the mandible. Very similar break to the first one. This one however looks to be in a worst state health-wise.
The school next door has been closed for many days over the last 2 weeks. This had a major impact on our Rooks, Jackdaws and Hooded Crows, which usual feed there during break times. Blackbirds and Song Thrushes took advantage of this by moving into the garden. The Corvids are back now with the school open today, but I have seen them that much recently. They still feed here, but it seems that the Thrushes have enough power to keep Corvids on the fence.
A full head of feathers like this one is what attracts me to the Rook. (and that cheeky character of course.)

Loss of feathers is apparent in this bird:
it could be suffering from that disease that usually hits Jackdaws. But as these feed togeter, it is very well possible that they got it too. With this cold spell, I assume that the Corvids are moving up and down the countryside in search of food, and we end up with birds other than the local flock.

Strange Mute Swan behaviour in Ballydehob.

2010-12-02T20:35:00.007Z

Mute Swan, Cygnus olor
Cob (male)

Pen (female)

Last week, I was in Ballydehob with two of the girls from respite in Bantry. We stopped at the bottle banks, at the narrow end of the estuary. Here a few herring and Black headed Gulls, Mallards and Mute Swans patrol the water. When I went a little bit down a small slip into the water, the Swans started to become curious and came to have a look. They were waiting for a few chunks of bread, obviously. Something they won't get from me. I should have raided the kitchen for wilted lettuce, or some fruit.

As it was, Mr. Cob was having none of this waiting and started climbing out of the water. He waddled slowly towards me, and I kept a sure distance between him and me. He was not hissing, but he was not happy either.
His mate had left the water also by now, but he still waddled towards me. I was back on the road by now, and she started quietly feeding on the grass. I liked her approach: Ok, if you don't come and feed me, I'll do it myself!
Mind you, I was well aware that he could kill me with a single smash of his wing and neck. I was not taking any chances. I was however interested in why he reacted differently to me than to the two girls behind and next to me.

There were no cygnets to be seen, so he was not defending these.

Eventually, he joined her, even though it was against his principle that humans are on this planet only to feed the waterfowl.

Pen feeding happily on the left; the cob, on the right, is just nibbling a little snack. you can see at her posture that she trusted us, while he was still a bit on edge and still unsure of what to think of me.

pen, grazing.

cob

pen

I can only find one reason for his behaviour of singling me out from us three girls. There was one major difference between us of course, and that is that he would have seen a "short square-ish predator" and perhaps he did not recognise me as a vertical human, and was it all more about defending his territory? he did grunt now and then. Something was weird about it. he was not simply begging for food. Which is what I expected from him.

I was eager to see some waders, and I was also disappointed not to see any Teal. So we walked on, and crossed underneath the old railway bridge towards the little footbridge.

Hooded Crow, Corvus cornix, examining this bicycle underneath the old West Cork Railway Bridge.

Pair of Mallards, Anas platyrrhyncos.

Dinner for Two.
Blackheaded Gull, Larus ridibundus.

Little Egret, Egretta garzetta

Beyond the Little Egret was this wader. It was too far off for me to identify it. Neither could I just the size. I had no idea of the distance either. Could be a Curlew. I had missd seeing waders here, but the road stopped. The estuary, and the water didn't of course.
Curlew?

Opposite the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen we found this Grey Heron, Andea cinerea, was on the lookout for its lunch in the river Ilen below it.

And finally, the two lovely girls who brought me here
Catherine and Maura, 2 of the staff at respite.

I had hoped to go to Killarney this time, but there was no way we would be able to with all the black ice on the road. Even going to Ballydehob, about 22km. from Bantry, we still had to wait until midday before it was safe enough to hit the road. Perhaps next time?

A few tricky photos of House Sparrows, Passer domesticus

2010-11-22T22:06:00.006Z

Female House Sparrow, Passer domesticusThese Sparrows kept flitting from branch to branch and tree to tree, and trying to keep up with them was hard.
Theyt are all female house Sparrows. The males were feeding elsewhere.

Female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

I am sorry they aren't much clearer, but they kept choosing the most hidden spots on the branches, with as many twigs in fronty as possible. Apart from this Chaffinch, which decided that posing was a good job. As did the female in the first picture.

The preferred food for a Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos

2010-11-22T18:53:00.007Z

This Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos dropped out of this tree very sudden, unaware of the clicking shutter, just a few metres off.

The only thing it was interested in, were these lovely, juicy Haws. Eire and the UK are seeing a bumper crop of autumn berries. This is great news for our birds. If we are getting a cold winter again, many of our birds, plus the many migrant birds too, are going to rely on these. Blackbirds, and other Thrushes, like this Song Thrush.

It was obvious that grabbing fruit was the main objective here.

A little digestion needed..

This is a real good berry..

And then I was spotted!
Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto
It was trying to cope with the colder temperatures, I think, and sat really huddled right above me.

I only spotted it as I turned away from the road and coming parallel with the road where I'd just been.

A different 'angle' to my Rooks, Corvus frugilegus.

2010-11-16T20:53:00.009Z

Rook, Corvus frugilegus
One of my Rooks, looking down, after having eaten its fill (in other words: quite a lot!) gave me one last glance before heading off again to its friends at the other side of the fence.
As did this one.

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula
checking out what could be hidden among the grit on the road. This bit of road is frequented by kids which use it as a shortcut between the village shop and their homes.

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus
Blue Tit on the edge of my Fatsia 'birdtable'

Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba

Wagtails are regulars in the garden as well. Bossy, and very noisy they are too.

Robin, Erithacus rubecula
Another bossy visitor.

Next week I'm hoping to go to Killarney with the gys at respite. It is the worst I can do to my back, which hardly survives 1 trip to Bantry every fortnight! My hope is that we get to see any of the Sea Eagles there of course.

The arrival of our little friend, The King of Winter; The Wren.

2010-11-09T20:14:00.008Z

Wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
In Holland, the Wren is called Winterkoning, which translates as King of the winter. I've heard people call it the Winter Wren here as well. This is the time that it starts to look to gardens for shelter and for extra food, now that there is a shortage of natural food. It will scurry about in the undergrowth, looking for food fallen from your birdtable or feeders and for Invertebrates which haven't found their winter 'home' yet.
They might be very small, yet they do weigh twice as much as the Goldcrest; Ireland's smallest bird.

pied Wagtails, Motacilla alba

Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
Female. Who has just eaten some berries, I think, considering that she has something red in her beak. hawthorn most likely.

Male

Juvenile Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

This lovely brown eye is a sign of age. At first, as fledgling, these would be blue, and the brown is the immature in-between stage.

Compare that with the typical white eye of the adult

2010-10-26T16:26:00.007+01:00

Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
There was not much wildlife to see, so I focussed on these pictures instead.
A few years ago, Cork county council built a walkway from the harbour in Bantry town, to Newtown, a newer part of the town. It passes around the headland at the beach, further eastwards. The last bit, where it should connect to the council estate in Newtown, is still not finished, but it is used quite a lot already. In this climate of healthy living and fears of an obese nation, creating more interesting (dog) walks. The other plan was to connect Bantry harbour with the Bantry airstrip, about 1/2 mile from the Abbey at Bantry's cemetry. This walkway was started but itdoes just hug the corner, where they built a new slipway. I understood that there are disagreements with the landowner(s) of the land in-between. Whenever I am in respite in Bantry, I often go to the airstrip, to brave the strong winds in the hope of spotting those animals which like it there. I just pray that one day these walkways can be finished. I'm a bit sick of having to turn around when I cannot go any further.

Anyway, here's just a few pictures from the Abbey.

View over to Harbour View from the Abbey.

Harbour View.
We first lived in the white building on the right, (middle floor, 2 windows on the right) with Earthwatch on the ground floor, in those days. We also lived in the last (tall) building on the left, (groundfloor-2 windows on the right, which you cannot see) This used to be Hotel Terminus. The name came from the railway terminal which was at the pier about 200 metre from the Hotel. The low building is now a hostel.
There are still bits visible from the old terminal, The bottle banks are now housed among these old walls. It is a bit of a dead zone of the town.

These are taken at Lough Hyne, near Skibbereen, Lough Hyne is Europe's 1st marine nature reserve.
It is sad to know that it is also Ireland's only Marine nature reserve.

Herb Robert, Geranium robertianum.

Just a few garden birds..

2010-10-24T14:07:00.013+01:00

Hooded Crows, Corvus cornix The Irish Grey Crow against a very grey sky!

I spent a lovely few days in respite again, and at halloween Francis and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary with a weekend in Bantry. (Lack of accessible Transport, and my chronic pains during transport means that we are very much restricted to Bantry)

These Chaffs were singing loudly, outside my door, when I was in respite.
male Chaffinch, in a garden in Bantry.

And the female..

As was the Robin, Erathicus rubecula
and
the Great Tit, Parus major

Then returning home, more Chaffinches catch my eye.

Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba
Immature bird I think, there is still bits of yellow around the head.
You can see this better in this photo of the Wagger

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula
Behind the bird and the fence, you can still see the red haws in the Hawthorn behind us.

Yesterday when I went out into the garden for a break, the sky was very grey, but a rainbow tried livening it up visually, while these two Corvids made a similar attempt, albeit vocally.

Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto
One of the Doves has been checking out the garden again, after they have been out in the fields to breed. I was happy to see him/her back, but I was not allowed a picture. So

House Sparrow fence.

2010-10-20T21:45:00.006+01:00

Female House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

Female House Sparrow?
There were five birds chittering in a tree in front of the house. I didn't recognise the calls; yet I have a feeling that they might have been Hse. Sparrows.
What do you think?

At the other side of the council estate, a few House Sparrows were posing among the last flowers at the side of the factory.

This picture made me feel as if I'm in my grandmother's house again; those pictures on the wall in the kitchen.

Female House Sparrow, Passer domesticus.

And a male House Sparrow.

While this Female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs, visited the garden in the morning, before I left for Bantry.

This Great Tit, Parus major, also came for a bit of breakfast.
.

The Pied Wagtails have ben about the house/garden for some weeks now; they will spend the winter hereabouts (mostly) in the cold months to come. As will the Corvids (Jackdaws, Corvus monedula; Rooks, Corvus frugilegus; Hooded Crows, Corvus cornix, and Magpies. Pica pica.)
The Corvids have been here all year but getting photos of such nervous birds is not that easy!

A winter visiter and a rush for food

2010-10-18T16:14:00.007+01:00

Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis
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."

Juvenile Starling, Stumus vulgaris

2010-10-10T21:42:00.007+01:00

Juvenile Starling, Stumus vulgaris
I love the Starling in its immature plumage; it looks very much like a frayed piece of carpet or coat. Something cosy, and which might remind you of your grandmother.

"cave-painting" look-al-ike-Starling.

My messy garden is the perfect feeding ground for the Starling. They don't care that the birdtable has collapsed; they never invaded my garden; there is enough natural food avaiilable elsewhere.

Great Tit, Parus major

Female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

Rook, Corvus frugilegus

A big shock for the birds and us.

2010-09-26T20:33:00.007+01:00

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus.

Last week, the birds and I had quite a shock, when the raised planter, aka bird table, collapsed. In truth, the real birdtable was blown off its perch years ago already. The raised planter, underneath the bird table, has been used by the birds since then. A large Fennel has been offering countless perch opportunities. Leaving stalks into the ground, and not tidying removing these at the end of the summer, meant that there was always room for eager little feet. Apart from serving as a perch, I have spotted Coal and Blue Tits remove Insects from the hollow stems in winter. The planter itself had been built around a metal pole, a remnant of the metal railing, which was put along the path, according to building regulations, according to the county council. It was way too restricting for me, and although it would be great for any resident walking here, and needing support, to me it was of absolutely no use. (I’m always sitting or half hanging bent over my knees or my arm rest, in order to get my macro images.) We were afraid that one day I would seriously hurt myself on those bars, so Francis removed them. Those on the wall we left. The perch of the old birdtable had been hammered into the steel pole; which means that it is useless now.

The planter was ideal to photograph my birds. At 1.5metre from the kitchen window, I only had to look over my shoulder to see who was eating what. As a plus point, the windowsill offers a nice support for my wrist. And of course, most important of all, the birds could not see me.

Replacing it is not very easy. If my little hill allowed me to, I’d just get a feeder pole, push it into the ground, or get one with a patio foot. Unfortunately, we’re on top of a large rock here (we are in Ireland, after all!) and have not got any soil to push it into! And, being higher up, too much wind is the other factor.

The Birds have again provided me with the next (though temporarily) option: The Fatsia, growing in a black bin, has been used by the Sparrows this summer, and so the most logical thing to do was to put a little tray with mixed seed into the bin. The advantage for the birds is that the soil, and thus the food, is at least 15cm below the top rim of the bin. Unfortunately, I cannot see the birds any more. Needless to say, that in a case like this, the birds come first!. Francis is trying to design a feeder pole. which can be attached onto the remnants of the steel pole covering (part of the good old planter)

Our local garda station has a lot of Fennel in its front garden, and I will check with Brendan if there are any smaller ones among them. Their flowers attract Insects, and these in turn attract birds like the Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. (of which I did not get any photos this summer, unfortunately.) Besides, I've been drinking Fennel Tea since 1988.

What is left of the planter/birdtable
Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Where is my breakfast table gone?

I feel sorry for my birds, i know they need time to adjust to the new situation, and therefore, the main aim now is to get the peanutfeeder up.

Seasonal signs are drifting in.

2010-09-05T21:17:00.009+01:00

Starling, Stumus vulgarus
Starlings have been raiding the Hawthorn bush behind our garden wall, since the fruit hatched in early August. Although I cannot reach it, and can see only parts of it with a lot of difficulty, I can hear them, loud and clear.

While the Starling party was going on, Rooks and Jackdaws flew in to see what was the racket about. And pretty soon, the Jackdaws would fly towards the bush from the top, and shooing off the smaller Starling. You'd think that the Jackdaws would then claim the larder, wouldn't you? Of course not!
no, the Jackdaws would sit on top of the nearby (our) fence, and look intense (I'd imagine) anytime any Starling showed itself in the area.

Juvenile Starling, Corvus monedula

Rook, Corvus frugilegus

Hawthorn, Crategus monogyna

These Haw pictures I took at the other side of the council estate. A little more than 100m to fly for the Starling.

Is summer coming to an end?

Hooded Crows, Corvus cornix

Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba.

Barn Swallows, Hirundo rustica

This juvenile might have a few problems in flight due to its short tail.
Another reason why it is not ready for a long migration to Africa yet.

Great Tit, Parus major

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

male Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

Barn Swallow, 3 juvenile migrants and their parents.

2010-08-24T21:29:00.012+01:00

Hungry Swallow fledglings, Hirundo rustica

Getting bored between meals.

Waiting for mum or dad with a juicy insect.

The other day, on my return home from the village, and passing the area where the Swallows nest each year, a group of three kept calling the parents for food. I was delighted! They reared 6 chicks earlier this summer, and these three had still enough time to fatten up and get enough flight experience, before heading all the way to South Africa.

It was too windy to get out along my local patch, and I ended up between the nettles and bramble in my backgarden, as usual, with my macro-lens, to check upon the local crawlies. A lot of chittering made me look up from the foliage, and it was soon clear that the Swallow family had chosen our roofs as vantage point.

Our neighbour, Kevin, died suddenly, 2 weeks ago, and it is perhaps fitting that these young Swallows would bring these 3 young lives to the roof of his, and our, house. The roof, which sheltered him from 2000 till now. he was always surprised whenever I'd find (and photograph, things like Redshank, Persicaria maculosa or Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis, among the bricks of our path.

Hiding?

The parents kept flying to and fro with nice Insects, Flies or Moths, for the demanding youngsters, and in doing so, they would fly incredibly low over my garden and where I was sitting. Dipping to say 1.50metre or even lower,(I have no idea how "low I've sunk from my 1.70 metre as standing height" to my current "sitting height in my wheels.") they would just skim over my hair. It is lovely feling that over your head. And at a certain moment I left the camera for what she is, and just sat still and enjoyed the spectacle. All too soon, they would leave our shores again.
(To be honest, that time is not long off- the weather has really turned autumnal!

The latest House Sparrow brood

2010-08-03T14:29:00.005+01:00

House Sparrows, Passer domesticus,

Last month the house Sparrows brought their latest Fluffers here for a Photo-feed. Most pictures I've lost however, don't ask me how! So here are a couple of others. The other birds like the Great Tit and Blue Tit never sit still long enough. Where the Robin has hid its young is an enigma.

This picture is of the juvenile House Sparrows bing fed by their dad. Columnist Dick Warner mentioned that he only saw female house Sparrows feed their young. he wondered if this was a trend among the House Sparrows. In fact, this is the first year that the majority of the Fluffers are being fed by mum Hse. Sparrow.

A lot of noise meant that the Pied Wagtails, Motacilla alba were here with juvie.

A few pictures of my friend, Rook Jnr

2010-08-03T14:04:00.004+01:00

The juvenile Rook, Corvus frugilega, has finally allowed me to take a couple of photos whilst feeding in the planter. The repeated movement of the bird s it gathers seed in its beak, creates wonderful poses if you're quick enough.

Who's flying overhead?

Anyone coming onto this patch?

And to compare the beaks, here is one of the juvenile Jackdaws, Corvus monedula.

Dusting the feathers

2010-07-21T12:51:00.005+01:00

House Sparrows, Passer domesticus

The male;

On my way home, I spotted a family of House Sparrows, Passer domesticus, busily trying to rid themself of parasites, and get a good clean.
Providing Birds with food is part of the way how we can help them. Water is just as important. Flight, and therefore clean feathers, is vital to them. It is how they can take flight to escape danger as well as, finding food, finding a mate and find the best breeding spot.
Also Birds need water to drink. Young birds in the nest get their liquid from the food brought in by their parents. Mostly in the shape of Insect larvae, which as well as fluid, contains bags of protein.
People still ask me about feeding birds in summer. The "But Birds will get lazy" idea is still doing the rounds, apparently. Instinctively, Birds, (and many other animals) will search high and low to find live food for the chicks. The comprehension that with this protein-packed the chicks will grow faster than by feeding on protein-rich seeds.
The reason I feed them in summer, is so that the parents, after foraging from Sunrise, to provide for their brood, they can get a quick feed for themselves. They are ravished at the end of the day, and would have no energy left at all to get some food for themselves.

With the Birds moving about constantly, getting real sharp pictures wasn't easy. But my, Fun they were having definitely. They'd fly up and settle elsewhere, in a different formation. When I was about 3 metres from them, a car arrived on the scene to spoil the fun. For them as well as me.

Both the Sparrows and I were being observed from above by one of my friends, the Hooded Crow, Corvus cornix.

Searching for a Gull: a flying visit to Bantry harbour.

2010-07-20T15:10:00.005+01:00

Juvenile Gull.

I was looking for a Great Black backed Gull, Larus rudibundus, for a photo, this week, and while it has been raining most days for 2 weeks now, I managed to find a few spare minutes between getting my fresh veggies and fruit at Organico, and leaving with the bus, which needed to be back in town in time to collect the rest of the group from the cinema. there was not a Great Black-back to be seen, however. A first for me! Being the largest Gull on the mud, it would be hard to miss, or so I thought. The harbour wall is too high for a quick and proper look. Behind the board, showing off the different birds found Bantry Bay, there is a small opening leading to a set of stone steps into the harbour itself. Looking down, I spotted this immature Gull. the size of either Herring Gull, lesser Black back or the Great Black backed Gull. Identifying juvenile Gulls is very tricky. Apart from a need to ID them, the patterns often remind me of those found in the human world. Many markings, colourings around me make me think of fabrics, or other materials which had similar ones. After taking a few shots, I spotted John the driver, and I started making my way round the parking lot to the dip in the pavement to allow my wheels to get of the pavement without me breaking my back.
As I moved about in a hurry, I did manage to capture this lovely Pied Wagtail juvenile. .
Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba.

This House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, was moving about in front of me, and apparently not interested in having its picture taken.

Stripping of the grains

2010-07-14T08:28:00.006+01:00

juvenile Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

harvested Oats.

The Birds have been "sowing" the seeds, and the Jackdaws are now stripping the Oats, and it is not unsual to see one with a beak full of the seeds, and lots more it looks like.

With three youngsters to feed, I cannot blame them for sowing seeds all over the garden.
It has been raining here now for 10 days, more or less. I know the plants need it, but can we get it at night please?
As you can see below. the little Jacks are fully alert!

Rook, Corvus frugilegus.

I love how this position of a bird feeding looks like it making a curtsy.

Juvenile House Sparrows, again.

2010-07-10T20:42:00.006+01:00

Juvenile House Sparrows, Passer domesticus

The Sparrows's young have been coming in and out of the garden, but there was never a good opportunity for photos. Most of the time they would come late evening, sitting on the fence and against the setting Sun, so that photos are out of the question. The quality and contrast is very bad on this occasion.; my apologies!

One of the three young Jackdaws, Corvus monedula

Finally.. Food!!!

Who are you?

More juvenile Corvids

2010-07-07T11:00:00.004+01:00

juvenile Hooded Crow, Corvus cornix
I am not sure how many yong Hoodies there are, but one has taken over the sentry post of the adults, when one will sit on top of the community hall next door inside the school playground. It was anxiously trembling the wings as soon as any adult flew past.

Fledgling Rook, Corvus frugilegus
I am not sure if there are more than 2 juvenile Rooks.

We have (at least) 3 Jackdaw, Corvus monedula youngsters.
I love their curiosity; they are so eager to discover the area around them; where they need to find any nook and cranny in which anything edible can be hidden.

And with Sea Bindweed crawling over and about the shelving on the wall, there are lots of those hiding places for any sort of Invertebrates.

Sweet, isn't it?
Note the light blue of the eyes. These will stay light blue for the 1st year; brown in year two, until they turn to that typical light grey of the adult Jackdaw.

Jackdaw fledgling

2010-07-03T12:21:00.006+01:00

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula.

First week of July has a special meaning on my seasonal calendar; The Jackdaws, nesting in the chimneys of the school next door. will come here and show off their offspring. These are a lot noisier than the young House Sparrows too.
I think there are 2 of them,

The Rooks, Corvus frugilega too, have been starting to introduce the little one.

Jackdaws, Corvus monedula, adult (left) and fledgling right.
That red gape looks awfully big to (ful)fill!

Feeding together
(adult left)

Juvenile Song Thrush

2010-06-30T21:09:00.007+01:00

Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos

As I arrived in the garden at Rehabcare, i spotted a bird hopping about at the raised planters. At first I guessed it to be a young Blackbird due to the mottled rusty colour on its back, and because it was too small to be a juvenile Robin, the only other bird whose young would have a similar plumage. Besides, there are lots of Blackbirds (and Robins) about the garden.

It was foraging below the hedge, and as I started taking photos, it turned and showed its breast; showing its true identity immediately> it was a young Song Thrush. And indeed, one (or more) Song Thrush has often been calling or singing whenever I would be outside, taking pictures of whatever I saw or fuond about me.

I love this picture; that typical and innocent look of the young birds.

House Sparrow fledgling. Dad just vanished out of the picture.
It kept fluttering its wings, out of the picture or not. Dad, I want food!

Dunnock, Prunella modularis
I'm hoping I'll get tos ee young Dunnocks some time, this summer.

Magpie, Pica pica

Magpie, Pica pica
brothers in black

There are 3 Magpies now, but 2 of them always stay together.

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula
juvenile in its 1st summer.

I'm told that a Treecreeper has been spoptted in this garden. I haven't seen it yet. I'm afraid that it will be in a tree situated off the path, and out of reach. The story of my life!

Magpies and Jackdaws

2010-06-22T20:25:00.007+01:00

Magpie, Pica pica.

A few months ago, we first spotted a young Magpie, which needed more flying practice and had to improve on its land and take-off techniques.

They'd hang about the school yard (next door) and the front garden now and then. Unable to take any pictures there, .

Seeing it with another Magpie more and more often, I assumed it would be one of the parents. how wrong I was.
Yesterday I spotted two in the planter (birdtable) at about 8pm, and saw them taking away the pieces of apple I had put out for the birds. I know the Rooks and Jackdaws like them, and after they have been raiding the food for the little birds, I get them to change their diet for a bit of fruit, later in the day.

I got only one picture of both birds in the planter. One was out of focus, but I was able to see enough of its beak for me to see that this one too was a juvenile. Juvenile Rooks and Magpies have a black little ridge which slowly gets flatter and ten to disappear totally in spring the next year.
I remember seeing them being fed on the rail of the fence, very early spring. There would always be something in between me, a good picture, and the birds.

They might be young; I'm not convinced they are OK. Or at least this one.

I have had many of my Jackdaws which have gone bald, disappeared and probably died.
Jackdaws are particularly prone to this disease in which they loose their feathers.

Last year we had an individual which was very badly affected with it. Neil Hatch, (Birdwatch Ireland told me that he had often seen Jackdaws with this disease. As they are wild birds, there is nothing really that we can do for them.
Now, this is what I don't know. Are Magpies, which are related to Jackdaws, also perceptible to this disease? I will email Neil tomorrow, to see what he knows about this. In the meantime, let me know if you can tell me more.

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

It is so sad to see these Jacks suffering from the (quite rapid) featherloss. And know that I am powerless to help. If only....

Touble is that, as social birds, and feeding in flocks, the disease can spread very easily from bird to bird. Those Magpies, like the Hooded Crows, do feed with them and the Rooks. This way, they could have picked it up also.

The dining table etiiquette of the House Sparrow Fluffer.

2010-06-20T21:04:00.006+01:00

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

While I was tryting to capture the Swallow fledglings being fed by a parent, this youngster caught my attention. Its father had left it inside a bit of shrub along the edge of the garden. With the way levels/inclines, slopes and descends work in this part of the 'woods', the garden's edge turns out to be at control panel and armrest height in my world.

Getting into position..

I have no idea of what this action means.

Trying out the typical wink of the showbiz world.

Dad is arriving! Wings out, and perform that fluttering which always get the parent into feeding (and/or mating if it is the female of the couple, this time of year) mode
.

And open up that pointy thing, sitting up front of my face somewhere.

Fledgling Barn Swallows, again.

2010-06-20T15:53:00.004+01:00

Barn Swallow fledgling, Hirundo rustica.
Notice the big Bluebottle Fly it has in its beak.
These were still waiting for their own meal from the Swallow parents

Sometimes it takes awhile before it is your turn again...

But there is always something to see in this wide and wild sky, so you need to be alert too.

Look at the short tail of the fledgling, and then at the parent's tail streamers:

I am trying to get a film clip of the Swallow parent feeding the youngsters, but for that I need the road to be very quiet. So early morning might be best, I guess.

Fledgling Swallows.

2010-06-19T10:45:00.005+01:00

Barn Swallows, Hirundo rustica
I love the stern expression of this fledgling.
I took these photos next to the house where the nest was, and I counted 4 of them. All equally hungry for Flies, Moths, or anything else like this.
Here you can still see some of its down feathers on the back.

The parents kept flying to and fro, with any of the Insects they can find here.

Also waiting for a meal at this location near us, was this juvenile Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba.
one of the parents forages down at the village shop, usually; and the other parent, up here at the council estate and the school playground, where we live. The youngster had itself positioned right in the centre of this t

The nest is nearby, at the back of a house I pass as I go down to the village shop for the Irish Times, and a few other bits and bobs.

Grass....gorgeous Grass! Growing Grass for the birds?

2010-06-12T21:02:00.009+01:00

In 2008, quite a few of the uneaten birdseed in my Fennel planter (aka birdtable) germinated into what looked like Oats as you can see below.
One of part of the -eaten-germinated seed

The House Sparrows especially loved tis extra treat, and the seeds were eaten in quite comical manner. The Birds would hang from the Fennel stalks; with my Fennel growing around the (free) birdfood, they would really hang into all directions, and fight off any other bird which was coming too close.
In my attempt to treat the Gang (my House Sparrow colony) to these seeds again, in 2009, I spread the seed around the Fennel on purpose, from spring. no luck really.

This year, many seeds must have been dropped by the birds themselves and I see "Grass" (which can be anything) everywhere; in my Azaelea pots, in the Fennel planter, and underneath the planter and shelving. As I loved to sketch Grass, I took the camera to it, this time.

Growing in the planter and in about every pot at my kitchen door are these;

I am sure that my birds are going to love these seeds!

Here you can see the Fennel fronds and the grey stalks. And the fat grass seeds growing right in front of it.

On the outside of the planter is a lot happening too. Tgis picture is from the beginning of June;
A Common Vetch (the purple flower) has found a way in, also.

By now, 10 days later, this plant has grown coniderably and I have no idea what I'm dealing with here. Has it anything to do with birdfood at all?

These leaves are quite thick.

These yellow flowers are part of it/them too, I believe.
As long as the Bees are happy with it.
I hope these leaves/plants will produce bird food too? Perhaps it comes from those little "pea/lentil"-like seeds?

Female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs.
My little Chaff doesn't care really what or who is growing here; as long as she can still find food!
The same for my Blue Tits.

2010-06-12T15:20:00.004+01:00

Each spring, Barn Swallows, Hirundo rustica, arrive here and keep flying around the house, en route to a favourite feeding spot, the little field at the school next door. Also, one or two will attack the window of the spare room, probably because it can see the reflection of itself in the window, and needs to attack this competitor. who keeps mimicking the other.
Last month, a pair sat courting on the telephone wire going into the house at the kitchendoor .
I was trying to get things together, as I was going away for a few days, the next day, while these two kept chirruping above my head.
Unfortunately the light was behind them.

Summer is for me the chirruping of Swallows about the house.

Another pair of telephone wire-birds, was making even more noise from the back of the house; the familiar kra-kra of the Hooded Crows.

Young Starlings. plus a few other gardenbirds.

2010-06-02T21:13:00.013+01:00

Last Friday, I had hoped on catching a glimpse of the local Dog Fox or the Vixen at Rehabcare, as I waited early morning at the compost heap down at Rehabcare in Bantry. It was a little too early perhaps, as it was only six in the morning, but I had been up since 5am, and in the hours of the morning, I loved watching how this garden came to life.
Reinhart didn't show this day, perhaps he was hunting for a meal to feed his cubs? (if there any).
At around 8am a lot of commotion accompanied a large flock of Starling, which included a number of juveniles. They were still quite young with a bit of their fluff still remaining. Not at all like the juvenile Starlings I've had in my garden in 2009.

Young Starling, Stimus vulgaris

It was obvious that the little one was hungry, as it kept doing its wing flick all the time. (Making it harder to kept some prper pictures too. )

juvenile Starling

few birds of the mixed flock of adult and youngsters Starlings.

This Starling I caught in September 2009.

I caught this female Blackbird while I was taking macro images of Grasses and Dock, but a (relatively)quick removal of the close-up lens mant I was just able to catch this beautiful lady and her fat catch. For a hungry chick perhaps?

Blackbird, Turdus merula.
Taken on in the same garden in Bantry.

female Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

Having been away for 4 days, mama Chaffinch was eager to show me her lovely offspring:
juvenile Chaffinch.

Rook, Corvus frugilega
Sitting out in the garden, I was waiting for this Rook to go and preen itself. (and thus get a few good shots. No luck)

Magpie, Pica pica.
Out in Bantry.

Great Tit, Parus major.
In my garden.

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus
On the 'birdtable in the planter in my garden.

I must say that the Jackdaw are taking long. I'm looking forward to their chicks! They are breeding in the school's chimney(s) next door.. I'm sorry, I just love young Jacks!

Dunnock. Prunella modularis; messy eater

2010-05-22T09:41:00.005+01:00

Dunnock, Prunella modularis

As you can see, this Dunnock has crammed its beak full with seed, yet has a bit of a problem eating any of it, without dropping the lot.

Here, another Dunnock had a very large piece of peanutcake, yet lost more than half of it down the wall! (As you can see on the right side of the picture.)

having collected the lost piece, the Dunnock is enjoying eating it finally.

We've had 4 Dunnocks in the garden, then I found one killed by a cat on the path. One of the remaining birds was terrorised by a hungry House Sparrow fledgling. I think I also spotted a Dunnock fledgling, begging a parent for a bit of food.

Sparrow Safari

2010-05-12T11:41:00.006+01:00

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus.
Very young Juvenile.
Here are some pictures of the young House Sparrows. These are from a few days ago as I have not had much time to keep watch at my window.

Left: Female/Mother. Right: Juvenile.

I'm still hungry..

Elsewhere in the garden:
Great Tit, Parus major
S

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Dunnock, Prunella modularis

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

Meet the parents....

2010-05-08T13:41:00.005+01:00

of this demanding House Sparrow Fluffer!

Here's Dad, trying to get some food in, himself.

and here's mum, trying if she can hear anything else than those demanding

Cries of her offspring.

I know this picture is mostly out of focus, but that is what I like about it: a fledgling is all movement at this stage. Fluttering of the wings and the screaming for more food.
Also, this photo shows why I call them Fluffer.

Robin.

2010-05-07T21:46:00.007+01:00

I observed one of my Robin feeding in the Fatsia black bin which houses my Fatsia. There were Jackdaw and Rooks about, which I assume were the cause of the Robin looking up. I am just waiting for the youngster, to appear soon. But so, here is one of the parents:

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos

This Magpie has been quite annoying again.
Magpie, Corvus pica pica

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T09:08:00.002+01:00

Great Tit, Parus major

Dunnock, Prunella motacilla

Rook, Corvus frugilega

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

2010-04-29T23:03:00.001+01:00

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula

Jackdaws have these lovely and iconic eyes, I always think. Many Corvids, (Rooks, Raven, Magpies and Hooded Crows, and the Jay have black eyes, which, apart for the Jay, have what look like black eyes, but which can have a lovely blue shine over them.

Rook, Corvus Frugilega

A few pairs of Jackdaws nest in this, and other, chimneys of the --very pink--school next door. For a moment I thought we had a pair too, when I heard some noises up inside the chimney. But that was false alarm.

Most of the birds are busy elsewhere at the moment, courting, building nests, laying eggs, incubating and eventually raising those noisy chicks. It is a kind of calm before the storm; in summer the planter will be packed with mainly little House Sparrows, juvenile Jackdaws and others will try and try and find a bit to eat here too.

Male House Sparrow, Passer domesticus
So many girls to chose from...
Female house Sparrows, Passer domesticus

Robin, Erithacus rubecula

Collared Dove,Streptopelia decaocto

Male Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

The Great Tits and Blue Tits are nesting nearby; the Blues inside a gap in a wall in front of our house. The county council built this wall along the path to our house. If it wasn't there we would fall down the "cliff face" of lime stone. We live on a hill and the garden in front of us, is a few levels below us, halfway the hill. It is a good wall for the birds; at the back is a garden below.
Great Tit, Parus major

Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus

A while back I posted pictures of a Blue Tit with an eye' problem. According to Niall Hatch at Birdwatch Ireland, it looks very much like an eye infection which is common in House Finches in North America.
If so, she'd get blind and as we all know, a blind bird is a dead bird. I am hugely surprised to still see her, and I haven't yet seen any signs of weakening in her. Mind you, it is hard to tell without the aid of photos, which bird is which. If she is the one nesting, then I fear the most for her chicks. I'd never expected her to be alive still. I need to find out more about the infection. Any links, info or whatever is helpful. Below this post is a comment box. Please leave the message there.