GARDEN BLOG WINTER 2020
We have experienced a mild winter so far but - oh dear! - strong winds have damaged many trees and regular periods of heavy rainfall have left large areas of the UK waterlogged.
In spite of the wind and rain we have had large numbers of Goldfinches and Long Tailed Tits at the feeders over the last few months along with the usual visitors. The male and female Sparrowhawks continue to make regular (but unsuccessful as far as I am aware!) swoops into the plum tree after prey.
A few weeks ago I identified a small flock of birds high in the trees in the park which backs onto our garden as Redwing. This was confirmed a few moments later when one settled in the Rowan tree in our garden. Several appearances have been made by a pair of Black Caps. These are not quite such common visitors - I recently discovered that they are also called the ‘Northern Nightingale’ due to their melodious song. We currently have a pair of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers visiting the feeders and bird bath several times a day. Hopefully we will soon see some juveniles in the garden as well.
The warmer temperatures have resulted in the spring flowers blossoming early this year with several very large bumble bees being seen in the first week in January. I have also noticed a couple of bats flying at dusk - I do not recall seeing them out and about this early in the year before. The number of Buzzards and Red Kites seen flying over our area continue to be on the increase and are a nice surprise as they soar above the rooftops.
Birds seen in the garden to date since 18/12/2019:
Blackbird, Black Cap, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Crow, Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, Rock Dove, Great Tit, Greater Spotted Woodpecker ,Green Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Jay, Long Tailed Tit, Magpie, Robin, Song Thrush, Starling, White Dove/ Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Wren.
Other visitors include, Bank Vole, Hedgehog, Long Tailed Wood Mouse, Grey Squirrel.
