Not only is it "midweek " already but it is very nearly the half way point of 2026, how did that happen??!!! We are rapidly heading towards the longest day and the start of summer. I think that the poor birds are wondering what has happened to the weather as today has been very wild, wet and windy. I've managed to get caught in three squally showers much to the disgust of the dogs who were desperately trying to get into the hedgerows for some shelter.
Very few birds reported this week. The most interesting being a Turtle Dove in a private garden in Cogenhoe before flying off. A couple of Avocets, Cattle Egrets and Whimbrel at Clifford Hill GP and 2 Nightingales remain at Stortons GP. Again I have seen very little of note. The 2 families of Tawny Owls are still in the area and I was pleased to watch a Barn Owl hunting successfully, fingers crossed that they have a better year. What I have noticed is an absolute explosion of young birds everywhere. This was really noticeable a couple of days ago when we had some much needed rain. Everywhere has been refreshed and rejuvenated and the hedgerows and our garden full of young birds. The sound of young Blue Tits and Great Tits was deafening as I ran along the Brampton Valley Way. Our garden has been heaving with young Starlings, Jackdaws, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Blackbirds, Blue Tits and Great Tits. We seem to be a magnet for all the noisy argumentative birds which arrive before 05.00hrs and wake everyone up. Our most unusual family are a family of Rooks who just add to the chorus. I do wish that these young birds were a bit more "streetwise " or "gardenwise " . It is such a stressful time keeping an eye on them and trying to keep them safe. Yesterday all I could hear was bang, bang, bang as one after the other young Starlings and Blackbirds were panicking and flying straight into the patio windows. Thankfully all flew off after I sat them in a box to recover. The cause of their panic was a Red Kite which kept swooping very low over the garden looking at the fat slabs/balls which I'd put out. Eventually I had to distract the Red Kite by putting some suitable food for it in my agility area. Today the Sparrowhawk has been on a mission and I've managed to save 2 young Starlings from it's clutches but no doubt he came back once I'd gone out. Hopefully some of these youngsters will make it into adulthood.
No comments:
Post a Comment