A Dunnock and Some Geese

I have had the good fortune to see a Dunnock visit the feeding area several mornings recently. It usually stays in the shadows looking for any seed dropped by the regulars. Then I spotted this one resting for a short while on the camera cables. I assume by the markings that it is a young Dunnock so the adult I see could well have been feeding it.



Just as I was preparing my evening meal I heard the unmistakable sound of geese on the move. The sound was only just noticeable so I expected they would pass some distance away so it was a surprise when two formations each of about twenty birds flew almost overhead. Luckily I had grabbed the camera just in case and managed to grab one half decent shot. By the direction they were aiming they could have been heading towards the Wash.



There are some birds I don't expect to hear after dark. Last night it was a pheasant's distinctive alarm call at 9.45pm. Maybe something had disturbed it, possibly a fox.

Waste Not - Want Not

When I look through the previous nights video captures it is interesting to see who will be the first early morning visitor to help themselves to any food Honey has left in the dish. This morning it was a very cautious Magpie. It checks carefully to make sure no one is watching before snatching a couple of tasty morsels.

Honey's Supper Interrupted

The night before last Honey didn't arrive until just before midnight. Last night she was back on the early shift spending about nine minutes stocking up with the dried mealworms, crushed unsalted peanuts, sunflower hearts and raisins.Then she nipped across to the water bowl for a long drink. No sooner had Honey walked back for her second course when one of the local cats walked through the feeding area. The moggy took no notice of Honey but by the way she wrinkles her nose Honey was not too happy. After tucking her head down for a while Honey decided to vacate the area. Mind you, she was back twelve minutes later to carry on where she left off.



This cat seems to visit the garden a couple of times each night. It wears a collar so I assume it is not a stray. When I saw that Honey had disappeared for a while I let Bobby out so the moggy didn't stay for long.

200 and Still Waffling On

Back in January this year, when I first took the plunge to start this blog, I had doubts that I would find much to write about but here I am at entry number 200 and still waffling on about the goings on around my garden. I have been surprised by the number of visitors and the very kind comments left by many. A big thank you to you all.

There is not a lot to report at the moment. I took some photographs yesterday of the few plants which are still in flower. My white Hibiscus bush has been in continuous bloom for over a month. I don't think I have ever seen so many flowers on it.




The small standard rose is showing its second flush of red flowers.




Under that is a self seeded yellow flowering plant which I have to cut back from time to time otherwise it would take over the whole garden.




One small weeping standard bush in the front garden is a mass of red berries. It is another I have to cut back otherwise the trailing branches layer themselves and start rooting.




The petals on this flower are hardly noticeable but has been attracting dozens  of hover flies and still attracts scores of wasps - right next to the front gate.



 Well, that is about it for number 200. Another 114 days and the blog will be one year old.

Time to Eat

Which bit shall I eat next?


We are in the Messiest Beak Competition.


Today I am having a packed lunch.


Nothing like a snack of dried mealworms and a slurp of fresh tap water to keep a Hedgehog going.


 Most of the IR LEDs on the camera have been covered over and a lamp with five blue/white LEDs fixed above the feeding area.

Friday at the Flicks

They are back. One adult and two juvenile Magpies have returned to the garden. The only time of day to see them together is just after first light. Here one juvenile is clearing up seed left over from the day before.



The Goldfinches continue to visit as a group but now instead of the youngsters chasing the parents for food the parents are tending to hog the old feeder and chase the youngsters away.



The Blue Tits are regulars again. This one enjoying a sunflower heart.



Last night Honey was still feeding when Bobby went out to say a quick hello. I don't think Honey was too pleased as she left in a hurry returning later to finish her meal.

Automation, Chaffinch with Caterpillar

For over a year I have wanted to be able to let the cameras record through the night but only when there is something worth recording. My set of cameras record all night so it can take ages to check through to see if there has been any animal activity, even at the maximum speed of 18x.

At last I have got 'Round Tuit'. I obtained an ex-demo recorder and fitted a couple of spare 80GB drives from defunct computers. Eventually the aim is to connect the feeding area and the nest box cameras to the recorder which will automatically start recording only when something moves. At the moment only the feeding area camera is connected while I test the system out. Connecting the rest means a virtually new re-wire and the replacement of one nest box camera which has failed.

Not a lot happening last night. A couple of visits by Honey, a couple of visits from an unwelcome feline and the early bird catching not a worm but left over mealworms.

Some in colour when the white lights are on or the Sun is up. The rest in black and white. Another aim is to have hoggycam in colour all the time.



I spotted a male Chaffinch near the bottom of the garden. It had caught a caterpillar and seemed to spend a while looking round. Maybe he was looking to see if any hungry young ones were waiting for a meal. The light levels varied quite a lot as clouds dashed across the sky.