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Oops. I hadn't taken in the 4 x larger bit about the "robin" so puffing up's out then.

I wonder where all the starlings are Jude, we had about five in earlier in the week (once) not seen them before or since and we usually have loads. still have the single coal tit, lots of bluetits and great tits, sparrows, greenfinches chaffinches and a blackbird and a robin.

*ears prick up* Red Kites? I lurve red kites. They're all feathers Jane and couldn't lift anything heavier than a mouse. Mind you, en masse.......
Lucky you Jane :-))

I haven't seen a dickie bird all day Jude.

Island...:o))

Jane....maybe it was...lol

We've had starlings in the garden, not seen them for ages and ages, also a thrush, the usual tree/house sparrows, 2 robins, chaffinch are back too, black birds, a nuthatch pops in and out, wood pigeons and c/doves, my mate the crow and 2 magpies.

jude:o)

There seem to be a lot of Hungry Red Kites about this morning.They were very low,probably about 30ft above me when I was out with Chester.I thought they might have had their sights on him !!!

Hi Jude
I was looking for our Larousse bird identifier today but think it must be in van. Van was at work. Birders are like dogs trying to bury a bone in lino when someone throws something like this at us LOL

Hi Jean
We watched a heron trying to swallow a massive fish at our local ressie. It was really hard work for it. it kept throwing its head back and gulping then laying its beak on the ground. It had several goes but that fish was just way to big for that skinny neck. I expect a fox or two had a tasty supper though.

We had a heron hopefully perched by our garden pond the other day, but he was out of luck as we no longer have fish in it. There are plenty in the river the other side of the hill!

Me thinks we need Midland to explain abit more....casue he/she said 4 x bigger!!! lol

There we are then. It's a puffed up robin LOL

Birds often puff themselves up in the cold weather Island. They can look fat and healthy when actually they are protecting themselves or suffering from the cold.

I suppose the cold weather has pulled the Kites in Island. Yes I am intrigued by this large robin. I am inclined to think it could be a bullfinch.

We haven't had many birds today either just one very persistent lonely coaltit.

Hi gang, I hope you're all keeping warm.

I'm intrigued by this huge robin - could it be a puffed up one? or is puffing up a spring pastime to attract the ladies?

Nobody's been to my feeders today. A wood pigeon nearly landed but was shooed off. Some gulls (probably black headed) were circlig the sky for a few minutes this morning.

They've had THREE white red kites at Gigrin over the weekend and hundreds of reds.

When I went to see to the birds today the small bird bath was not frozen at all and the big one down the garden was slushy, so not much thawing needed today thank goodness.

Nearly went a purler on the steps today on the way down to see to all the bits and bobs down by the river. Although we don't have any snow at the moment (think it's could come overnight) I reckon one of the times I've taken warm water down to de-ice the birdbath I must have spilt a tiny bit of water. None of the other steps have any ice on at all and there's just a tiny patch about an inch across on one step (size of a big drip - or am I talking about myself now). Enough to give me a jolt and think about taking a bit more care in future.

The ducks and crows are being funny at the moment. A couple of crows come to the ground feeder. Ducks realise and shoo them off. Crows take a few steps back and wait their turn, occasionally trying to get closer to see if they can get in there. Ducks take a couple of steps towards them, crows hop back a bit again trying to nonchalantly hang around with head hung low and kicking their heels. I'd always taken crows to be quite aggressive in getting what they want but this has been a bit of a giggle. Might try and get a picture but don't think a still would do it justice.

lol...your probably right, it was just a guess. Here's what Midland said.....

" Hi! I'm also in Glos and moved in the early summer. I'm not an expert on birds but we have a visitor which looks like a huge male robin - must be about 4x the size of Bob, our garden robin. Any ideas?
Had to defrost the bird baths today and blackbird had lovely splash! "


HUGE male robin...lol

jude

I don't think a redwing is either Jude but Midland di say it was a tiny Robin. Redwings have red under their wings and field fares are not red red so can't think of anything else.

Ann...is a bullfinch 4 x bigger than a robin.....lol

jude:o)

What is the bird that looks like a robin eating Midland? could it be a Bullfinch?

Are you happy to hint which part of Glos youa re in? I am in Ch****wn

Hello Midland:o)

Could be a red wing or field fare, they both have red on them......look up Robin type birds!!

jude:o)

Persey...l too love the sound of the parrot that can't fly:o))

Yep, we've got more birds than usual. 2 Robins 3 or 4 blackbirds about 6 chaffinch, LOADS of sparrow, 2 dunnock, collared doves and woodies:o) oops mus'nt forget a nuthatch and the tits. The squirrel has been about but not too often.
Bought some suet and gestive biccies:o))

Dizzie...you do make me smile:o)

Just filled in another report on wildlife and sent it to South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, they are always interested in what people see and record it, because oneday for what ever reason that bird or animal may not be there etc etc....so we've just noted the cormorants and l'll try and get some photo's, Vics going to to try and get some of the Heron too.

jude :o)