Vagueness and the Aftermath - A sporadic diary

[RioRodent]

Well, coincidentally, we have just had a big ol' male bullfinch in the garden... resplendent with his bright orange/pink chest, looking for a girlfriend no doubt??

Not a great pic, only had phone to hand.

[RED-DOG]

Well, coincidentally, we have just had a big ol' male bullfinch in the garden... resplendent with his bright orange/pink chest, looking for a girlfriend no doubt??

Not a great pic, only had phone to hand.

That's a great pic for a phone.

The hen will be there somewhere. She will be plain brown wtth a black cap. Bullfinches also have a white rump that you can only see when they fly.

[Karabiner]

What are those white balls that the birds are eating, and are they nailed down to prevent squirrel-theft ?

Lovely pics Tom.

[RED-DOG]

What are those white balls that the birds are eating, and are they nailed down to prevent squirrel-theft ?

Lovely pics Tom.

They're called fat balls Ralph, and as the name suggests, they are basically just balls of fat with seeds and nuts embedded.

Birds burn up enormous amounts of energy, especially at this time of year and these are just what the doctor ordered for replacing it.

You can buy them down the market for about 15p each.

No probs with squirrels so far....

[sovietsong]

My next door neighbour has a tree full of bird feeders, they said they take part in some kind of nationwide birdwatching, they commit to noting the different birds they see for at least 2 hours during the each week. 

Have you heard of this type of thing before? 

[RED-DOG]

My next door neighbour has a tree full of bird feeders, they said they take part in some kind of nationwide birdwatching, they commit to noting the different birds they see for at least 2 hours during the each week. 

Have you heard of this type of thing before? 

Yes sov. the RSPB have been doing this for years.

http://www.theslant.co.uk/2007/01/27/rspb-begins-its-annual-bird-count/

[RioRodent]

Note to RSPB... one of your Blackbirds is missing.

I let one of the dogs out this morning when I got up, she dived into a bush in the garden and came out with a blackbird in her mouth! I know it's not big and it's not clever, but she looked very pleased with herself as she dropped it by the back door.

[sovietsong]

My next door neighbour has a tree full of bird feeders, they said they take part in some kind of nationwide birdwatching, they commit to noting the different birds they see for at least 2 hours during the each week. 

Have you heard of this type of thing before? 

Yes sov. the RSPB have been doing this for years.

http://www.theslant.co.uk/2007/01/27/rspb-begins-its-annual-bird-count/

I didnt realise it was so popular.  TBH i thought my neighbours were a little strange sat in the kitchen counting tits, today as the snow has given me a nice excuse to be late for work spent some time looking at the tree they have and took some photos.  As i've said before I'm a city boy never been much into wildlife/outdoors etc etc however I found the process really relaxing, a small bit of nature in my neighbours garden.  No TV noise, car's engines or phone ringing just quiet time watching the birds come and go.  Only problem was when I tried to take a photo as you can see they were too quick!! 

I will certainly take time out going forward to watch again, hopefully will get a photo too!

The bird feed tree

Click to see full-size image.

The birds escape my camera

Click to see full-size image.

Better luck next time!

[RED-DOG]

It's snowing at chez Red too..

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

[Colchester Kev]

LOL at the snowman with the "Put your hand in the air if you are getting paid" pose

[RED-DOG]

When I take my little dog Kizzy for a walk, I have her under complete control.

Pity I can't say the same for Mrs Red.....

Click to see full-size image.

[Snatiramas]

Looks like the ice was a little thin for skating in Wellies

[AlexMartin]

that stream looks gin clear. any brownies in it red?

also, gr8 photo w cameraphone.

[RED-DOG]

that stream looks gin clear. any brownies in it red?

Yes, and crayfish.

Don't tell anyone though, its a secret.

[Rod Paradise]

that stream looks gin clear. any brownies in it red?

Yes, and crayfish.

Don't tell anyone though, its a secret.

Signal crayfish?