Focussing on spring

I was pleased to see my usual male House Sparrows accompanied by a few females. And although the official harshest winter weather is still to come, my Robins have taken to liking and accepting each other again, and come feeding together, even if they feed with some distance between them. It is just good to see them like this again.
It gives me this special spring feeling, when I start to realise that nature is preparing itself to procreate. It is all a lot harder for these wild creatures to get their instinct Be it plants, birds or any other wild creature, these first months of the year can be as exciting very exciting, for us birders and all other nature lovers.

After a few hours at Rehabcare today, where I was treated with a bowl of hotpot, the girls took me downtown for a bit of shopping and for a brief period it looked as if the wild weather might shift to leave us dry, but when we came out of the bank it had started to rain again.
I did manage to pick up a new mouse for my laptop also, on my way to Organico, one of the town's two health food shops.
Once I had been dropped off at home again, and been down to the local village shop for the luxury items like wine and cigarettes for my other half, I was delighted to see a Goldcrest feeding, even though it was as good as dark. Spotting one of these little birds stil get me excited, they are so tiny! I'm still trying to discover the size difference between Coal Tits, Wrens and birds like the Goldcrest or Firecrest.

Another look at the planter got me these images.

House Sparrow, female

Robin

Coal Tit

Chaffinch, female

JJ

Goldcrest





Chaffinch, male


Blue Tit

Little and Big Birds.

although I reported that I was worried about my Goldcrest, the other day, and that I was afraid for its safety, I saw not one but two a few days ago.
I was just surprised how, after having found a regular supply of food,it had stayed away over these cold days, because it has such a tiny body and so needs all the energy and fats it can find. I do realise that because of this they are very much prone to danger too and that I should not be surprised when one of the two turns up missing. Won't be easy to accept, but nevertheless.

Anyway, with increasing temperatures it might get easier for all my residents, whatever the specie.



My male Blackbird, suddenly I have three Blackbirds again, after not seeing one since March.

One of my dear Coal Tits, Great Tits and Blue Tits.;

v

This is a female Bullfinch which I spotted the other day, when she was stuck on the garden wall, like many birds when they are feeding on grit, to help their stomach digest the food, I believe. (would it not make more sense for us to smash up small stones and dish this up for them on the bird table?)
It was pouring outside, hence the poor picture cause taking one was greatly hindered by the rained on windows. Other birds take up this position to search for insects, like the Wren and Great Tit might do sometimes. It is a first for me to see a heavy bird like a Bullfinch on the wall like this. Then again, Finches need their minerals too, I guess?

Male Chaffinch; One of which, is coming into its breeding plumage, but it was too quick for my camera; guess it spotted one of the ladies nearby. Yet again, this one did want the spotlight, it seems.

Another photo of J.J.

plus another silhouette, this time of the male blackbird. i love the line of this bird.