Cheshire Birder
Well-known member
Nice pics Karpman. Good to have so many Green Sandpipers together at this time of year.
CB
CB
-
BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!
Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Very busy at the bird feeder today! (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Moraybirdlover
- Start date
well, cleaning up my daughters trampoline this morning and other bits and bobs and then out for rest of daylight. Had a few (6) house sparrows in and around the feeders for the first time in a couple of days, a few rooks over and around 50 jackdaws over with them. 2 Robins together having a bit of a scrap. The normal numbers of blue tits and great tits and 1 of my willow tits present. The highlight was a superb buzzard gliding over the garden at rooftop height, unfortunately camera was not ready!
jasperpatch
Amy, Brit in Quebec.
congratulations on the posting anniversary! I have a long long way to go!
The garden has been very quiet, but the dog nagged us into a walk yesterday and found a pileated in the tree in the corner of our garden. He was most uninterested in us and tapped away for 15 minutes or so, I have a vid on my youtube if anyones interested.
then up the road to the river and a beaver! (Ok I know its not a bird but I don't discriminate against creatures without feathers!)....
todays walk brought several groups of 20+ goldeneye, hooded merganser and the attached greater scaup in the mist....
glad everyone is getting some daylight at the weekend - its dark here by 4:30 but thankfully no pesky job so can get my spotting in during the day!
The garden has been very quiet, but the dog nagged us into a walk yesterday and found a pileated in the tree in the corner of our garden. He was most uninterested in us and tapped away for 15 minutes or so, I have a vid on my youtube if anyones interested.
then up the road to the river and a beaver! (Ok I know its not a bird but I don't discriminate against creatures without feathers!)....
todays walk brought several groups of 20+ goldeneye, hooded merganser and the attached greater scaup in the mist....
glad everyone is getting some daylight at the weekend - its dark here by 4:30 but thankfully no pesky job so can get my spotting in during the day!
Attachments
barnstormer
Well-known member
Just the usual about lately,loads of goldfinch,greenfinch,sparrows magpies and a few great,blue,willow tits, a single wren and a few robins. Starlings have disappeared over the last week or so.
Bananafishbones
Incoherently Rambling .....
good updates:
Karpman: Granted its off topic but 8 Green sands in view together :t:
CB: 1000+B
Busy at the feeder thread: edges towards 2000 contributions (well done everyone)
Barnstormer: Willow tits <envy of everyone I would suspect> and Starlings dispersing :eek!:, tell that to my lot:-O
Chris:Where are you? missing your chat mate:t:
michael23: unlucky with the Buzzard pic :-C,
Pam: how is the squirral Vs birds contest :-O I bet your daughter loves it.
I was going to look at joining the BTO garden survey project. However it looks more complicated than my simple and quick look and count method that I do on an irregular basis. Has anyone else done this or is anyone else doing it?
I thought that if I am keeping (of a sorts) a garden record it maybe worthwhile doing it properly to help with UK records.
Advice please :t:
Dave
Karpman: Granted its off topic but 8 Green sands in view together :t:
CB: 1000+B
Busy at the feeder thread: edges towards 2000 contributions (well done everyone)
Barnstormer: Willow tits <envy of everyone I would suspect> and Starlings dispersing :eek!:, tell that to my lot:-O
Chris:Where are you?
missing your chat mate:t:michael23: unlucky with the Buzzard pic :-C,
Pam: how is the squirral Vs birds contest :-O I bet your daughter loves it.
I was going to look at joining the BTO garden survey project. However it looks more complicated than my simple and quick look and count method that I do on an irregular basis. Has anyone else done this or is anyone else doing it?
I thought that if I am keeping (of a sorts) a garden record it maybe worthwhile doing it properly to help with UK records.
Advice please :t:
Dave
peter hill
Well-known member
Bananafishbones
Incoherently Rambling .....
hi Peter
Looks like he is doing a "reccy" for another day... Splendid bird though that still brings a flutter to us adults.
Looks like he is doing a "reccy" for another day... Splendid bird though that still brings a flutter to us adults.
Disneynut1973
Well-known member
Jasper, great video and how exciting to see a Beaver too!
Dave, the Magpies and Squirrels are always fun to watch. My little one tells me what birds are around in the garden when I'm not near the window, she points them out in a morning too as we walk to the childminders, she does pretty good getting them right too!
Dave, the Magpies and Squirrels are always fun to watch. My little one tells me what birds are around in the garden when I'm not near the window, she points them out in a morning too as we walk to the childminders, she does pretty good getting them right too!
ChrisKten
It's true, I quite like Pigeons
I've neglected this thread a bit lately, Dave. I was a little preoccupied with the Gallery here, and I've also been a bit busy IRL. I've been logging off and on, rather than staying logged on and browsing the forum. But it's only just over a week since I posted in this thread.
As usual, I'm much too far behind to even attempt to catch up, so...
One of the things that's been occupying my time lately, is the Jays. I've now got six that practically live in my garden. Well, not really live in the garden, but they watch from nearby trees for when I throw nuts out. Before I've shut the door they appear from different directions and squabble, which is very entertaining to watch.
I think that I've said before how acrobatic the Jays are; they are almost as manoeuvrable in flight as the Sparrowhawks. The Jays also bounce off walls/fences/etc to dodge each other while fighting.
A few of the Jays have also started to perch on the rotary washing line pole (only the pole left as I removed the top for fear of the birds harming themselves on the line when spooked) waiting for the Squirrels to leave the garden with a nut. So I drilled a hole in the top of the pole, and I now hang nuts on string from it. The Squirrels (which I've lost count of, at least 6 regulars) don't seem to like the pole, which leaves the nuts for the Jays. I'm now trying to get some interesting behaviour shots, as the pole is quite close to the window. I might even video it when the Jays are more used to me being so close.
Lately the light has been poor, so I've not got any decent pictures yet. I can't use a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the action, so I'm missing a lot of, what would have been, interesting shots. Anyway, I've attached a picture to illustrate what I'm talking about, it's not properly focused or well detailed, but it's the best I've managed so far.
As usual, I'm much too far behind to even attempt to catch up, so...
One of the things that's been occupying my time lately, is the Jays. I've now got six that practically live in my garden. Well, not really live in the garden, but they watch from nearby trees for when I throw nuts out. Before I've shut the door they appear from different directions and squabble, which is very entertaining to watch.
I think that I've said before how acrobatic the Jays are; they are almost as manoeuvrable in flight as the Sparrowhawks. The Jays also bounce off walls/fences/etc to dodge each other while fighting.
A few of the Jays have also started to perch on the rotary washing line pole (only the pole left as I removed the top for fear of the birds harming themselves on the line when spooked) waiting for the Squirrels to leave the garden with a nut. So I drilled a hole in the top of the pole, and I now hang nuts on string from it. The Squirrels (which I've lost count of, at least 6 regulars) don't seem to like the pole, which leaves the nuts for the Jays. I'm now trying to get some interesting behaviour shots, as the pole is quite close to the window. I might even video it when the Jays are more used to me being so close.
Lately the light has been poor, so I've not got any decent pictures yet. I can't use a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the action, so I'm missing a lot of, what would have been, interesting shots. Anyway, I've attached a picture to illustrate what I'm talking about, it's not properly focused or well detailed, but it's the best I've managed so far.
Attachments
Bananafishbones
Incoherently Rambling .....
Nice one Chris...you are our David Attenborough of the garden, your words paint a cracking picture of garden life.... just what this thread is all about.
Anyway 6 jays is top class and if you can keep them guessing as to your next move (IE cloths line pole) that is entertainment enough.
PS:
I too have been a bit pre occupied with the Gallery.... I have been posting loads....... wader heaven :t:
Anyway 6 jays is top class and if you can keep them guessing as to your next move (IE cloths line pole) that is entertainment enough.
PS:
I too have been a bit pre occupied with the Gallery.... I have been posting loads....... wader heaven :t:
Hobbes2
Well-known member
Hello there,
I thought I'd pop my head round the door and join in. Great thread.
I have a small suburban square of garden but it's close to a patch of woodland and not far from open countryside. I had one of those afternoons today where I just watch the garden with a big smile on my face. There were between 15-20 Tits (Great and Blue), 5 Chaffinches, a Robin, 4 Blackbirds, 3 Collared Doves, 3 Dunnocks and the occasional flit from the little Wren. I love the way the Tits zoom around the garden like big butterflies, from bush to bush, searching for grubs, then pop into the bird bath for a quick splash before the Robin decides he's boss and chases the bather off again. The Robin also likes to have a go at the Dunnocks, chasing them round and round the garden.
At the end of the summer, I had a Goldcrest which regularly came to the feeders. That was pretty special and I'd look forward to her visits (attached are a couple of my better pics of that, lol).
Hobbes
I thought I'd pop my head round the door and join in. Great thread.
I have a small suburban square of garden but it's close to a patch of woodland and not far from open countryside. I had one of those afternoons today where I just watch the garden with a big smile on my face. There were between 15-20 Tits (Great and Blue), 5 Chaffinches, a Robin, 4 Blackbirds, 3 Collared Doves, 3 Dunnocks and the occasional flit from the little Wren. I love the way the Tits zoom around the garden like big butterflies, from bush to bush, searching for grubs, then pop into the bird bath for a quick splash before the Robin decides he's boss and chases the bather off again. The Robin also likes to have a go at the Dunnocks, chasing them round and round the garden.
At the end of the summer, I had a Goldcrest which regularly came to the feeders. That was pretty special and I'd look forward to her visits (attached are a couple of my better pics of that, lol).
Hobbes
Attachments
Bananafishbones
Incoherently Rambling .....
your more than welcome Hobbes to our Friendly, funny, knowledgeable, newby and often far flung bunch of garden birders from across the globe
I am awaiting the return of MY Goldcrest from last winter, never managed a descent pic so congrats on yours. isnt it funny that we adopt these birds as our own :king:
Do you have fir trees /evergreens in your garden? I only ask because of the Goldcrest visits.
I am awaiting the return of MY Goldcrest from last winter, never managed a descent pic so congrats on yours. isnt it funny that we adopt these birds as our own :king:
Do you have fir trees /evergreens in your garden? I only ask because of the Goldcrest visits.
Hobbes2
Well-known member
your more than welcome Hobbes to our Friendly, funny, knowledgeable, newby and often far flung bunch of garden birders from across the globe
I am awaiting the return of MY Goldcrest from last winter, never managed a descent pic so congrats on yours. isnt it funny that we adopt these birds as our own :king:
Do you have fir trees /evergreens in your garden? I only ask because of the Goldcrest visits.
Thanks for the warm welcome
I think the Goldcrests come from the woodland which is 'just over the fence' from my patch of garden. I've seen a fair few of them in that area - always a lovely surprise.
You have indeed been in wader heaven, lol, and got some great photos.
Hobbes
Cheshire Birder
Well-known member
Thanks for the warm welcome
I think the Goldcrests come from the woodland which is 'just over the fence' from my patch of garden. I've seen a fair few of them in that area - always a lovely surprise.
You have indeed been in wader heaven, lol, and got some great photos.
Hobbes
Goldcrests are such lovely little birds but incredibly flitty when trying to follow them. Conifers are one of their fav trees.
CB
Jabberwocky
Well-known member
Garden Birdwatch
I did the BTO garden Birdwatch for several years Dave. Gave up when work meant I seldom saw the garden in daylight. Its very easy, most birds only have to be counted up to 5+ seen at one time. You would have to say if you saw 1,2, 3-4, or 5+ of a particular species at one time. Unless its changed only House Sparrow and Starling have different numbers, 1-5, 6-10, 11-20 or 21+. Birds outside the most common top 10 don't have to be counted just logged as seen. Judging by the posts on this thread anyone on here could easily do it. All you need is to cough up the 15 quid annual fee. I've been thinking of joining again as I changed jobs a few years ago although at this time of year I still only see the garden at weekends.
Lewis
I did the BTO garden Birdwatch for several years Dave. Gave up when work meant I seldom saw the garden in daylight. Its very easy, most birds only have to be counted up to 5+ seen at one time. You would have to say if you saw 1,2, 3-4, or 5+ of a particular species at one time. Unless its changed only House Sparrow and Starling have different numbers, 1-5, 6-10, 11-20 or 21+. Birds outside the most common top 10 don't have to be counted just logged as seen. Judging by the posts on this thread anyone on here could easily do it. All you need is to cough up the 15 quid annual fee. I've been thinking of joining again as I changed jobs a few years ago although at this time of year I still only see the garden at weekends.
Lewis
allanpcameron
Well-known member
Things have been pretty busy at my feeder. The sparrowhawk was back yesterday, didn't get a bird this time, but sat on the feeder for a couple of minutes before a magpie chased it off. Also had my first siskin of the winter, which was back again today.
The highlight this afternoon was the greater spotted woodpecker which was around for long enough for me to get the camera and take lots of out of focus pictures through my binoculars, I've attached the only one that was at all reasonable.
Coal, blue and great tits are my biggest customers.
Green and chaffinches are next. A pair of bullfinches are irregular visitors.
Robins, dunnocks and one or two house sparrows, Blackbirds are all around.
Three magpies are doing their best to eat my coconut fat feeder.
Homing pigeons from the local dovecote seem to feel at home, as do some woodpigeons.
The highlight this afternoon was the greater spotted woodpecker which was around for long enough for me to get the camera and take lots of out of focus pictures through my binoculars, I've attached the only one that was at all reasonable.
Coal, blue and great tits are my biggest customers.
Green and chaffinches are next. A pair of bullfinches are irregular visitors.
Robins, dunnocks and one or two house sparrows, Blackbirds are all around.
Three magpies are doing their best to eat my coconut fat feeder.
Homing pigeons from the local dovecote seem to feel at home, as do some woodpigeons.
Attachments
captaincarot
Well-known member
only thing i saw in the garden today ws a magpie that thought it was some sort of tit.
stuck on the fat feeder eating like mad while flapping his wings like some demented humming bird, eventully he gave up the ghost and fell off but it was funny watching him try to cling on. though he did get a good feed out of it.
yesterday was a better birding day, but not in the garden went to limefield down the road and saw buzzard about 5 times, small flock of redwing, innnumerable tits, blue, great, long tailed, nuthatch, tree creeper (briefly) and a female sparrow hawk sitting on top of the chimney stack on top of the mill.
hopefully i will be able to see our feeders in the afternoon daylight tomorrow as this is when we seem to get our greatest concentration of visitors about 3pm
stuck on the fat feeder eating like mad while flapping his wings like some demented humming bird, eventully he gave up the ghost and fell off but it was funny watching him try to cling on. though he did get a good feed out of it.
yesterday was a better birding day, but not in the garden went to limefield down the road and saw buzzard about 5 times, small flock of redwing, innnumerable tits, blue, great, long tailed, nuthatch, tree creeper (briefly) and a female sparrow hawk sitting on top of the chimney stack on top of the mill.
hopefully i will be able to see our feeders in the afternoon daylight tomorrow as this is when we seem to get our greatest concentration of visitors about 3pm
Disneynut1973
Well-known member
Had a visit from the Sparrowhawk this morning before I left for work. :t: It was barely daylight and it flew in low across the garden before landing in a tree next door briefly before flying off again.
It can't have hung about though as there where pigeons and Starlings flying about overhead when I left.
It can't have hung about though as there where pigeons and Starlings flying about overhead when I left.
Back home
Hi, everyone. I'm back home in Texas after my Barcelona/Ebro Delta trip. Am posting early in the day because I'm up with jet lag.
Looks like you've all been getting lots of interesting sightings. Can't wait to see what's in our yards these days.
Welcome, Hobbes2.
Well done with the beaver, Amy. I've only ever seen one - in Utah.
We had less success than hoped for in the Ebro Delta. Perhaps a little early in the year? Also, maybe because of hunting, most birds seemed extremely skittish. Some spectacular sights, though, such as several thousand Flamingos on one lagoon and 100 or so Gray Herons in one flooded field. I'll update my blog later, when I'm fully awake.
I'm posting some photos for ID in the ID thread. Any help welcomed!
Jeff
www.jeffincypress.blogspot.com
Hi, everyone. I'm back home in Texas after my Barcelona/Ebro Delta trip. Am posting early in the day because I'm up with jet lag.
Looks like you've all been getting lots of interesting sightings. Can't wait to see what's in our yards these days.
Welcome, Hobbes2.
Well done with the beaver, Amy. I've only ever seen one - in Utah.
We had less success than hoped for in the Ebro Delta. Perhaps a little early in the year? Also, maybe because of hunting, most birds seemed extremely skittish. Some spectacular sights, though, such as several thousand Flamingos on one lagoon and 100 or so Gray Herons in one flooded field. I'll update my blog later, when I'm fully awake.
I'm posting some photos for ID in the ID thread. Any help welcomed!
Jeff
www.jeffincypress.blogspot.com
Bird spotter
Well-known member
allanpcameron - We had a Great Spotted Woodpecker visit our bird feeder this morning.It was first seen in a tree outside of our garden on Sunday morning.