GARDEN BLOG - LATE SUMMER
Hi! As I write this blog I find it hard to believe that another season is about to start!
This summer we had the pleasure of nurturing a Collared Dove back to health with sunflower hearts and water. It may have flown into a window and needed a quiet place to recover. We first noticed him (I say ‘him’ for convenience of writing!) when he followed us onto our patio. He would fly down outside our French doors and wait for us to appear outside. He stopped coming to us for attention once he was fully recovered (although we believe he still visits the garden).
Not many people realise that wildlife rely heavily on fresh water throughout the year - not only for drinking but for the avian population to keep their feathers in tip top condition. As this summer has been relatively hot and dry we have been replenishing our bird baths several times a day. Access to clean water for bathing is very important to birds for their general welfare so pop a small dish in your garden and keep it topped up - the local fauna will appreciate it.
Having read on social media that a large influx of several million Painted Lady butterflies was forecast I expected to see increased numbers on the buddleia etc., However, much to my disappointment, this did not happen - I have seen four or five at the most. I participated in the National Butterfly count and, despite having lots of butterfly attracting plants and flowers in the garden, the numbers were down on previous years. Bumble, Honey and other species of bees have continued to visit in large numbers.- so that is a plus! :)
Birds seen in the garden this quarter include: Crow, Green Woodpecker, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock,Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Willow Warbler, Sparrowhawk, Magpie, Black Cap & House Sparrow.
Butterflies seen: Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Holly Blue, Small White, Green Veined White & Peacock.
