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.

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!

A quick peek around the garden

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.

my white capped house Sparrow, Passer domesticus.

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.