GARDEN BLOG: LATE SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER
When I wrote my last blog - little did I know how our world would change due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus! Staying at home has (sadly!) meant no trips to the local nature reserve and cancellations of holidays where I would have seen new species of wildlife
On the plus side - I have been able to spend more time observing the wildlife in our garden. One highlight - although not for the victim - was watching a female sparrow hawk in action catching and eating her prey. She stayed for about 20 minutes giving me a great photographic opportunity.
Several species of butterfly appeared during the first spell of really warm weather including Brimstone, Holly Blue, Peacock, Common Blue and Green Veined White. When I spotted the orange tips fluttering around the flowers I knew early summer was around the corner. It has been pleasing to observe many species of insects including hover flies, bee flies, and several types of Bumble Bee.
Another advantage of the lockdown has been associated with the inability to sleep soundly. Not only did I manage to see some of the bright Lyrid meteorite trails in April but I have had the joy of hearing the dawn chorus most mornings. The valley at the back of our house has been filled with beautiful birdsong from what sounds like thousands of birds. We are lucky to have several birds nesting in the vicinity of our garden including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Blue Tit ,Robin and Great Tit.
The highlight of the recent few weeks was seeing (for the first time since I have lived here which is over 35 years) a Nuthatch visiting our feeders. It is always thrilling to see a new species - especially such a colourful little bird. A second new species in the garden has been a pair of Jackdaws.
Birds seen recently include:
Blackbird, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Common Crow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Feral/white Pigeon, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay, Magpie, Nuthatch, Robin, Starling, Sparrowhawk, Willow Warbler & Wren.
