Hobbies and Crafts

Isn't it strange that Robins often seem to nest and live in garden centres? We have come across this a few times. Last year there was a big notice by some pots which said 'do not disturb, Robins nesting.

Ann
Glos

You lucky thing thats brilliant:o)) l have often seen the odd adult robin in and around garden centres but never with their young!! you must take a camera with you next time!!

jude :o)

Hi Jude and Ann ,

Yes I did indeed feel very lucky to witness such a lovely sight . I'll try and remember my camera next time ( it's a good idea Jude ).

At Christmas time a Robin was singing its little heart out on top of one of the trees that were for sale at the same Garden centre.........that was truly a magical moment.

Amanda x

Good Morning All
I have just taken 3 photos of a Kestrel It was on the Gazebo
looks as if it was quite a young one (but what do I know )
Also a Red Kite circles the sky above our Bungalow everyday but I have not managed to get a good photo of it yet
Was so excited I thought I would share this with you
Have a good Day
Jenxx

We don't see kestrels here, we used to in Sussex but then we did'nt often see buzzards, where as we do here (S Wales).

Its been busier here today with the birds, but vic is about to put a stop to that.....he's about to mow the lawn!!

jude :o)

Hi Everyone,
Is this weather not brilliant and the bird song is so lovely had quite a few birds around past couple of days gold finches green finches a single robin about 3 male black birds, and a pair of dunnuck not sure if they like each other or not still playing chase.
And a pair of hares in the field just can not get close to them with camera, need a special lens to get a really good close up and the deer have started to come out of the woods.
Well I am away back down the garden and sit by the burn and see if the Kingfisher has returned.

Can anyone tell me why I don't see so many Kites and Buzzards at the moment.I am seeing more of the smaller birds of prey.

Hello Helen.....no l can't but Dormouse might be able too!!
If not join a rspca or rspb site and join in on the forums:o)

jude :o)

Saw two buzzards in the Cotswolds today, we seem to see as many as usual here.

Ann
Glos

Hi All
I stand corrected it was a Peregrine Falcon I saw this morning
but this afternoon there were 3 RedKites and 2 Buzzards
circling overhead
Why do Crows and Rooks chase the Kites and Buzzards ? can anyone tell me please
Jenxx

Hello Jen...........when a " gang " of birds ie Rooks , Crows etc chase something like a Hawk its called " mobbing " and they do it to drive them away from their area , to protect their young and that sort of thing.

Amanda

Thanks Amanda xxxxx

Your welcome Jen..........it's an exciting thing to witness.

Amanda x

We get buzzards sometimes being chased by seagulls and or rooks/crows.

The peregrine was an even better sight to see than the kestrel,well done and lucky you:o))

jude :o)

Hi Folks,

Jude - The Birds of Prey display sounds wonderful, I would love to see that, if only to see the various birds up close as it were.

Regarding the robins nesting in strange places - we once had wrens nesting under the saddle of an old exercise bike that I'd dumped outside the kitchen window - they reared three chicks successfully. Also last year there was a blackbird sitting on eggs in the small garden section of a Focus DIY store in Aberystwyth. She was nesting in a small shrub in a pot right opposite the automatic doors with lots of people passing.

Saw two swallows again today (the same two?)
Also a ringed plover on a rock beside a stream that runs off the mountain onto the pebble beach - and the heron flew across the field today.

Tec

Hello Tec

Must add that the display was done without the rabbits, the handler had bait on lair (end of the rope), the whole thing was done in an outside arena/ring as a demonstration. The birds were fantastic and l have never seen so many different organisations from all over the country at one country fayre.
l still have'nt seen any swallows :o(( Of course it was the same pair...lol
You do get to see alot down/upyour way.
Our wrens are so quick, l usually forget they are about, might only be one.

Greenfinches been about this afternoon and watched them drink from my old bird bath:o)

Ann....we'll be in Cotswolds in June for the Zoo Keepers day:o))))

jude :o)

Bet you are looking forward to that Jude. Is it at Cotswold Wildlife park?

Yehhhh:o)))

jude x

Hi to all from our very hot n sunny garden. 6 swallows currently eyeing up the workshops with a view to moving in. Last year's swallows are already spring-cleaning their favoured spot up in the rafters.
We have naughty house sparrows nesting in the house martin nest under the eaves just outside the bedroom window- noisy things!! No sign of the martins yet though so maybe the sparrows will have fledged by the time the martins come a-prospecting! Garden is full of birdsong today and I can see buzzards and ravens circling over the little wood behind our house.
We're off to Cotswold Country/Water Park (not sure on the name but luckily I'm not driving so don't need to know!!) next week to see the fritilleries in flower and hopefully hear nightingales singing nearby. Going to have to be an early start!!

Dormouse xx

dormouse, close as we live to Cirencester we have never been to the Cotswold water park. I will be interested to know what you think of it.

Was just out in the garden having a cup of tea with the gardener (Oh OK OH) and the Goldfinches (2) on the seeder were making such a din twittering away!