This recent run of good weather has finally allowed me to once again indulge in one of my favourite activities. I am of course referring to the combination of a patio chair, feeders stuffed with seed and an assortment of increasingly tame birds. Unfortunately I have missed much of the fledging this season which somehow managed to continue through our wettest spring on record, but there are still plenty of relatively young birds about. The most numerous are the Blue Tits who look to have had a particularly good year and are currently easily identifiable by their duller colours.
The adult Blue Tits are also still present though a few look the worse for wear either through the stresses of raising a family or as a result of their moult. Whatever the reason this particular individual could definitely do with some restyling.
House Sparrows also look to have had a successful year with at least two broods managing to fledge. There is still at least one nest currently active under my neighbours eaves and we were able to watch this male gathering food to take back to it. This could in fact be a second, third or even fourth brood for these birds, something which doesn’t really bare thinking about. Thank god we humans aren’t quite as productive!
Although not photographed yet our Collared Dove’s have also added one to their number which when put together with our juvenile Great Tits, Blackbird and Robin paints a pretty good picture. I’d like to think that the work we are doing with the garden has in some way contributed as we certainly have more improvements on the cards. Once the summer is over we shall be investing in some more nest boxes as well as trying to encourage a couple of the House Martins out of the sky and onto our property. Fingers crossed for an even better update in twelve months time.
7 Comments
holdingmoments · August 3, 2012 at 1:53 pm
You've got some great garden results with the breeding birds Adam. Must be very satisfying.
Too many cats around my area now, unfortunately.
That poor Blue Tit does look a little disheveled. I bet they'll be glad when the kids can fend for themselves.
Gillian Olson · August 3, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Beautiful pictures, the blue tits are such cute little birds, the last one looks to be in need of a good rest and makeover.
TexWisGirl · August 3, 2012 at 4:48 pm
the blue skies are perfect frames for these birds. 🙂
Sondra · August 4, 2012 at 2:03 am
That blue sky says it all, gorgeous, and the Birds are the star of the show..Great way to relax!!
Dave · August 5, 2012 at 11:08 am
Blue skys ?? its still bloomin raining up here in East Cheshire…lol
My garden is pretty quiet at the mom, a few Juv Blue tits and Greenfinch, but way too many Jackdaws 10 juveniles and loads of adults fighting for the fat balls
Your post has reminded me to get into the garden and post someshots
theconstantwalker · August 7, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Wonderful to see Adam..
Adam Tilt · August 29, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Keith – certainly is though we too suffer from cats. I've found a super soaker water pistol particularly effective at scaring them away.
Gillian – thanks and as Keith says I think that Blue Tit will be glad when the kids have left home.
TexWisGirl – one of the few blue sky days we've had this year!
Sondra – certainly is. Glad you enjoyed.
Dave – a rare occurrence let me assure you.
Andrew – thanks.