Hobbies and Crafts

I will wave out next time I go past. Coming back through your area one Christmas Day and I was in need of a coffee and we ended up at the Wild Bean at BP. Our two Tuis come and eat the berries off the Totara. We don't have any flax but they do love the red flowers on the flax - it is one of their favourites (probably a bit like Sherry Trifle to them)

The Chatham Islands Black Robin conservation program did so well they are now either in the process or about to clear all feral pests etc off Pitt Island and establish another Black Robin colony there.

Jane and others if you google Sirocco (our non flying parrot) or even Kakapo I think you will get him - he has his own twitter site etc but there is a video clip on there of the bird with Stephen Fry... I won't tell you the title of the clip - let you find out. Or if you go to www.newzealand.com/.../nature_sirocco-appointed-conservation-spokesbird_press-release.cfm -

Then click on the BBC video entry.

Cheers Persey

If this weather persists I shall be bankrupt. School finished Friday and the last of the sarnies I use to feed the birds finished too. I have been out to stock up on seed for the seed eaters but now I have to buy bread and marg or fat to spread on it. I also buy the rolls of dog meat which works for the others. However, I draw the line at making sarnies with it. We have two gulls I have named scout and solo who watch for me from on high and then tear off to tell all their mates. I have to feed in separate places as the gulls would have all. I thwart them by feeding under the trees in the copse for the smaller birds and on the lawn in tele tubby land for them (kids christened it this as it has big toadstools in it for the kids to play on). The gulls wont go into the copse as they like a clear sky to fly into. Bet the people here abouts wonder who the goon is who whistles and shouts come on then.Elaine

Thanks for the idea of apples Ann, will have to get some extra for them.

Have had the big numbers of Finches including green and possibly siskins, loads of tits, a robin, several blackbirds, and the Jay is back.

Have put out fats and seeds too. Low on peanuts so if hubby can get out tomorrow that is his job

Really enjoyable watching them to be honest

Linda :o) XxX

Elaine Lol!!! Mrs Bird then are you?

Lots of starlings hoovering up some bread and cheese and fruit cake on the cleared bit of lawn. All the usual finches using the seed feeders. Several blackbirds and lots of sparrows and dunnocks this morning.

Not been on for a few days as I moved my daughter into her flat in Manchester midweek then while I was there heard that my son in London had gone into hospital. Thankfully intravenous antibiotics and painkillers have worked a minor miracle and I was able to come home. I was able to watch Strictly undisturbed but then next thing was daughter's boyfriend, who had been stranded in France after a week snowboarding of all things, managed to get a flight to Bristol airport so off to collect him for the night and then post him onto a train to Manchester yesterday morning.

Good news on Monday morning was that I saw a redwing in the garden. I've never knowingly seen one before but had an idea what it would be. I checked in our bird book and on the rspb bird identifier, so that was a nice surprise.

Even though we were out early this morning taking OH to the station (he's not driving today as it's his work Christmas do tonight) we didn't get to see the lunar eclipse as it was too cloudy round here. Did anyone else manage to see it?

Can anyone identify some birds which a neighbour saw in her garden? We have both looked in our bird books and cant find them. There was a flock of 10 or 12, black, but smaller than a blackbird, with yellow stripes low down on their wings is what she said to me.

Hi Ann, found the thread!!

I think I have identified the birds that we have had in the garden for the last few days. They are Fieldfare and Redwings. Have lots of fallen apples that I always leave on the ground and they are feasting on them. Another unusual visitor considering we only have a bird bath was a grey heron!! We do get lots of different birds, goldfinches, bullfinches, most of the tit family, love the long tailed tits, they are so pretty, but we also have a buzzard that comes regular, but I suppose they all have to eat although I am not happy.
Will keep looking for anything different.
Jo

Jean...take alook at this site....

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/siskin-2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://10000birds.com/siskins-in-saugerties.htm&h=450&w=600&sz=255&tbnid=8MjWeyJaxdTAPM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsiskins&zoom=1&q=siskins&hl=en&usg=__yL9nNI2L0rUJmtq8-u6pZFWRuHY=&sa=X&ei=uQwRTbOIMoOWhQeNl424Dg&ved=0CCUQ9QEwAQ

jude

HAPPY CHRISTMAS BIRDERS AND GOOD SPOTTINGS FOR 2011

Couldnt get the copy and paste correctly and havent done that, Jude. Will look up Siskin anyway.

Thanks Island:o))

AND THE SAME FROM ME TO EVERYONE:O))

Have been doing my reports on birds in garden and on the river banks etc:o)
Vic watched 4 cormorants take off this morning from their fishing trip:o))
A dz or more wagtails on the telephone wires and a Woodpigeon making the most awful noise and flying around in a panic....then a buzzard flew up off the old via duct:o((((

jude
OK Jean

jude

I'd like to wish everyone on the thread a very
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2011.
Long may this thread continue.xx

Yeh....and the same from me:o))

**~~~A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE ~~~**
**~~~~~~~and a HAPPY A VERY HAPPY 2011~~~~~~~**

AND LONG MAY THIS THREAD CONTINUE...THANKS AnnGloc

JUDE XX

Been out bird feed shopping today. Bought dog meat rolls and mixer, the mixer I soak and the birds love it. Easier to get water today as the schools outside tap was not frozen, it's such a bind having to knock off the alarm use my swipe card and remember all the door codes, mind you the birds are worth it. When I rescued sick and injured birds I had a magpie, Jay and Jackdaw all could talk but the jay was the best and he could sing as well Elaine.

Elaine....what dog meat roll do you buy?? all sounds interesting:o)

jude

Sorry Jude, just been watching Robert Winston on TV. The meat is Webbox Chubs which is in different flavours but I use the chicken. It is all the parts even bone steamed and the consistency is like a potted meat. It helps the insectiverous birds which at the moment are having a very hard time, but I have yet to meet a bird that won't eat it although the birds of prey such as owls probably would not. I used it for nestlings and fledgelings because even the young of seed eaters eat green caterpillers etc and need first class protein . You will see the finches in the spring gathering bugs for their young. My robins like it so does the wren. It works out very inexpensive compared to tinned dog meat, I think there is about 700grms in a roll for about 45p and there are places you can buy a box of 6 cheaper. Hope this helps our feathered friends. By the way my handle is what I was called by the people in my area. E;aine.

My OH said today that he heard Owls are dying because of the snow on the ground and they can't spot their food.(voles /mice).I often wonder what happened to the Barn Owl that I saw for those few days.
There have been lots of very low flying Red Kites and ? Sparrow Hawks (some kind of Hawk) obviously desperate for food.One of the Hawks I saw today was just hovering above the roof of my car ,and I obviously wasn't putting it off it's meal .It was totally focused on it's prey.

I know it's not a nice thought but kestrels, sparrowhawks and similar birds will be able to feed off the weak and dead smaller birds some will eat carrion but the poor owls will not be able to take advantage as most are nocturnal. However, if you have any diaernal owls day old chicks or mice which you can get at some larger pet shops or even on the net could be put out for them but watch your dog or cat can't get them put them out of their reach. Elaine.

Morning,

Just been out with my mixed seed, niger, sunflower hearts, sultanas and meal worms. A little chilly around the nether regions, as I am in my nightie and dressing gown!

A suggestion for temporary water containers, as my stone bird baths have been frozen solid for a long time now. I am using both halves of a supermarket muffin container. (Yes I know I should be making my own but they jumped into the trolley.) The plastic is so flexible I can just tip out the ice from the previous refill. I now have a pile of oddly shaped ice from many days of tipping it out!

There is a scene from "The Birds" out there now and the blackbirds are having a good drink.

Happy Christmas.
Elisabeth xx

They keep mice in the freezer at our Owlcatraz park and then warm them up in the microwave for the moreporks.
I would hate to think of them dying because of the snow - the barnies are such lovely owls.
How do the Russian Owls get on in the snow? I saw the video clip on Google of them eating a lemming.
My family gave me an owl decoration last Christmas and it is on top of my tree this year - I am going to have to draw up a roster. Last year I had my little Maori girl on the top, the year before a multi-coloured owl from the USA (more the colour of peacocks) and before that there was always an Angel.

Persey on Christmas eve at 10.47pm.