Tag: Birds

Posted in nature

All Four Seasons in One Week

Posted on by BITM

The weather during the second week of lockdown was mixed. It began with snow flurries and sleet but ended with the warmest day of the year so far.

I continued my daily exercise walks around my area and saw more wild flowers, trees, bees and birds enjoy Spring.

Plants that began to bloom last week were;

– Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris),

– Snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris),

– Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum),

– Annual honesty (Lunaria annua),

– Common Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris)

– and Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus).

I also noticed my first Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) clock of the year 

Water droplets can be seen as frost began to melt on this Dandelion clock. A flower head will produce an average of 180 seeds.

along with Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees budding at this time too.

One particularly special moment occurred last Wednesday when I visited my local woodland park. I went for my exercise as early as possible so that I would avoid too many people. As I entered the park I heard a sound of my childhood, that of Skylarks (Alauda arvensis). I grew up surrounded by farmland, similar to where I live now, and Skylarks singing was familiar to me (see RSPB). 

I knew there were nesting Skylarks in this area because of a notice I saw last year (see my blog post Relaxing into Autumn). There were three Skylarks, two were clearly a pair. Occasionally the third bird would get too close to the other two; causing a noisy aerial display before they all returned to the open ground apart once again. I watched this happen four times as I carefully moved around them; maintaining a distance so that I wouldn’t disturb them unnecessarily. Seeing and hearing these lovely birds was a beautiful experience to witness.

On Friday, while at home, I heard a group of Magpies (Pica pica). They were making such a raucous noise that I looked outside to see what was occurring. I was fascinated to see one Magpie (which was trying to escape) pinned down and being pecked at by another one. As this occurred, four more Magpies kept flying in, occasionally taking part in the attack. Eventually the bird which was under attack escaped and forced by the group to fly away. I have witnessed birds defend territories before but not like that.

Another sound I became aware of later in the week, were Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris), (See RSPB). Although I heard their call, I was unable to see them. However I have observed a Great tit (Parus major) and Coal tit (Periparus ater) and several Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) visit the Rowan (Sorbus) tree outside my flat.

Posted in Allotment, nature

‘March’ing into Spring

Posted on by BITM

As with the first of March, this week ended with sunshine; although there have been moments of heavy rain as well. Meteorological Spring has begun and things are certainly waking up in the gardens. My Scilla have started to bloom and the Anemone blanda are looking magestic too.

Scilla
Anemone blanda

Wild flowers are starting to grow now as well; particularly Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) and Common chickweed (Stellaria media).

When the sun was out, I noticed bees foraging. I have seen an Early bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) and a few Buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) visiting flowers. Early bumblebees are one of the smallest in the uk and emerge from hibernation in March, before many other species are seen.

A Bombus terrestris visiting a
Spring crocus (Crocus vernus)

I managed to spend Saturday at the allotment. It’s only the second week on a new plot. After an initial viewing the previous Saturday, my partner and I spent five productive hours this weekend; pruning the apple tree, removing grass from the weedsheet covered beds and sorting the compost bins. No Robins (Erithacus rubecula) visited as earth was disturbed but we did have some friendly Jackdaws (Corvus monedula).

Our allotment helpers

I also treated myself, and pollinators, to a Fuji cherry (Prunus incisa) ‘Kojo-no-mai’. It is the only thing flowering on the allotment at the moment (until we start growing cut flowers, fruit, herbs and vegetables) so it looked wonderful blooming in the sun.

Posted in Bookworm review, nature

Bookworm Review- ‘Bird Therapy’ by Joe Harkness

Posted on by BITM


I had downloaded this book ages ago and finally got round to reading it last month.

Part autobiographical and part informative this positive book is encouraging and so beautifully written that as the reader you are transported to his bird watching adventures.
Although Joe talks about his own experience with mental health, from his darkest days to eventually feeling better, it is never dwelt on. At the end of each chapter practical tips are given on how to engage in Bird therapy. He talks about different aspects of bird watching, anything from joining the serious world of twitchers through to taking part in the yearly RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch survey (describing his own explorations into each one as the book progresses).

Chapter eight ‘A sea-duck flotilla…’ particularly resonated with me. It describes birdwatching in winter. I also agree that watching birds is easier this time of year due to the bare trees and more birds taking advantage of bird feeders. Yet it is the time when I prefer to hibernate due to my Seasonal Affective Disorder. Having a bird feeder visible from my window helps encourage me to go out and face the world.

If you are dealing with mental health issues, know someone who is or feel a little bit low and stressed yourself then read this inspirational book. It proves how nature can help make you feel better and be part of the cure.

Posted in nature

Birdwatching and Blooming Flowers

Posted on by BITM

The annual Big Garden Birdwatch returned last weekend. As usual I took part on a Sunday morning. As with the previous year, there were lots of birds to see in my little patch, namely;

– 2 Blackbirds (Turdus merula)
– 3 Magpies (Pica pica)
– 7 Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
– 1 Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
– 1 Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
– 5 Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus)
– 2 Great Tits (Parus major)
– 2 Wood Pigeons (Columba palumbus)
– 1 Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
– 1 Ring necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and
– 3 Common Gulls (Larus canus)

There were a few changes to my 2019 list, the Dunnock, Ring necked parakeet and Common gulls were not visible during surveys before. Although I have noticed these birds in the area many times.

I enjoy purposely sitting for an hour on a Sunday morning observing birds, especially at this time of year. It is a lovely reminder that if you atune yourself to nature you will notice it even in the depths of winter.

One bird I have been hoping to see all winter were Redwings (Turdus iliacus). In previous years there have always been a few visitors to the Rowan (Sorbus) tree. However the berries were quickly eaten this Winter, which may explain why I haven’t seen any. Although perhaps they arrived when I wasn’t around to see them.

It was fantastic to witness more flowers popping up last week too, they were;

– Crocus vernus

-Anemone blanda

-Iris reticulata

– and Primroses (Primula vulgaris)

Spring really does feel as though it is around the corner now we have entered February.

Posted in nature

RHS Wisley; January 2020

Posted on by BITM

I celebrated the start of a new year by visiting RHS Wisley. It was a lovely way to end my holiday, as I walked round the winter garden, knot garden, herbaceous borders, Enchanted Botanical Christmas in The Glasshouse and the evening event Glow 2019.

The Winter garden was full of life, colour and perfume. Some plants I noticed were:

– Helleborus Walberton’s Rosemary = ‘Walhero’

– Helleborus ‘Verboom Beauty’

– Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’

– Cornus sanguinea ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’

– Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Harry’

– Pinus mugo ‘Winter Gold’

– Iris lazica

– Galanthus ‘Magnet’

– Daphne bholua ‘Hazel Edwards’

–Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Charles Lamont’

– Erica carnea

Along with plants, there were some birds in the garden too. I saw Robins (Erithacus rubecula)

and a couple of Pied Wagtails (Motacilla alba).

Between the winter garden and herbaceous borders is the knot garden containing evergreen and deciduous shrubs as possible replacements for Buxus as topiary and small hedges (see below). The RHS are investigating alternatives to box because of the loss of Buxus through Box blight and Box tree Caterpillar.

I was also interested in seeing the herbaceous borders at RHS Wisley. Obviously the Perennials have died back by winters arrival but I was glad to see that they hadn’t been tidied or ‘put to bed’ . Instead, the perennials had been left for the insects and birds; to be cut back in spring. I think the borders looked beautiful and the seedheads very architectural.

Lastly I have included a couple of highlights from the glasshouse and glow exhibits.

Inside the glasshouse.

It was clear enough to see some stars and Venus.

Posted in Bookworm review, nature

Bookworm Review- The Wild Remedy (How Nature Mends Us~ A Diary) by Emma Mitchell

Posted on by BITM

I have wanted to read this book for a while. As somebody who seeks solace in nature, especially when my depression and anxiety worsen, I am always interested in reading about other peoples experiences.

A long time sufferer of depression Emma describes her ‘Grey Slug’ through the seasons and she uses nature to improve her mental well-being along with conventional help. She lives in the Cambridgeshire fens and sees a variety of wildlife from insects to mammals and wild flowers such as the Bee Orchid as she explores her local area.

Even during her darkest days, when she is unable to go out of the house to emerse herself in nature, she relies on watching birds in her garden.

This lovely book is soothing and inspirational. Her writing transports you to the world around her, while her beautiful illustrations and photographs are a joy to look at. This book is proof that nature can help mend us.

Posted in nature

One Day of Christmas

Posted on by BITM

Having time off has allowed me to catch up on some reading, listening to the birds as I do so. In the mornings I usually notice Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), Great tits, (Parus major), Robin (Erithacus rubecula), Blackbird (Turdus merula) and Magpie (Pica pica) until eventually a Pigeon (Columba palumbus) wakes up and joins in with the chorus. Although it has been nice to relax, it isn’t long before cabin fever kicks in and I need to be outdoors.

As I went for a walk last week, my mood was elevated. I noticed a red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) pecking at food along a path.

For a ground dwelling bird, that prefers to run than fly (in short bursts) when danger is near, it was no surprise that it wasn’t in a pear tree. However seeing this bird did feel appropriately festive.

I also saw some Winter jasmine (Jasminum sieboldianum) blooming; bringing a welcome burst of yellow at this time of year.

Upon my return home I caught the lovely sweet scent Sarcococca confusa too.

The small flowers are insignificant amongst the evergreen foliage but they have an intoxicating aroma that I love. I hope the birds find the black berries to eat.

My other winter flowering plants blooming at the moment are;

– Sarcococca hookeriana

– and Witch hazel ‘Diane’

(Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Diane’)

Both of these plants are fragrant too but their scent is more subtle than that of the Sarcococca confusa.

I enjoy the transition between years. I don’t make resolutions but I love the positive feeling of renewal and freshness that occurs at New Year.

I also like to reflect on the previous twelve months. The highlight (rather predictably) was catching sight of some Painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) after they migrated in large numbers to this shore in the summer.

I have learnt so much about the wildlife that I’ve seen as I have written my blog; it has been a very enjoyable experience. I am grateful for those of you who follow my discoveries, thank you for taking an interest in my ramblings

Best wishes for 2020!

🐝

Posted in nature

Growing Food for Birds

Posted on by BITM

I saw contrasting images last week which made me think of feeding birds with plants from the garden.
I first observed the Rowan (Sorbus) tree outside, now stripped bare of it’s berries, before noticing some Cotoneaster

and Ivy (Hedera) full of berries. Clearly the pollinators had been busy during the Summer and Autumn months.

Along with supplementary food, on the ground and bird feeders, birds can also rely on trees and other plants in the garden for food in winter. Along with the examples already mentioned there are other berries, fruit, seeds and nuts which are enjoyed by birds.

Some other plants providing fruit and berries are;
Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus)
Dog rose (Rosa canina)
Berberis
Bird cherry (Prunus padus)
Crab apple (Malus sylvestris)
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
Pyracantha
Sarcococca hookeriana
Mahonia

Plants providing seeds and nuts include;
Oak (Quercus)
Beech (Fagus)
Hazel (Corylus)
Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
Teasel (Dipsacus)
Sunflower (Helianthus)
Miscanthus
Bergamot (Monarda)
Verbena bonariensis
Lavender (Lavandula)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Asters

Leaving seedheads on perennials not only provides food for birds, they also give shelter to beneficial insects. In fact a little bit of leaf litter also has this affect which in turn helps feed birds who eat the insects.

Common birds to see in winter include;
Redwings (Turdus iliacus)
Waxwings (Bombycilla)
Starlings (Sturnidae
Blackbirds (Turdus merula
Robins (Erithacus rubecula
Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs)
Bramblings (Fringilla)
Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis)
Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
Dunnocks (Prunella modularis)
Goldcrests (Regulus regulus)
Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Long-tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus)
Coal tits (Periparus ater)
Great tits (Parus major)
Fieldfares (Turdus pilaris)

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which takes place on the 25-27th Jan 2020, has been going for over 40 years. Surveying birds visiting your Garden or local park for one hour is calming and enjoyable. This citizen science continues to give the charity useful information on the numbers of birds in the UK.

Further information on feeding birds can be found in the book, ‘RSPB Pocket Bird Feeder Guide’ by Robert Burton (published by Dorking Kindersley) or on the Gardeners World website.

Posted in nature

National Tree Week (23/11/19-01/12/19)

Posted on by BITM

Meteorological winter has begun. Rather appropriately Autumn turned wintery yesterday as we had a very cold and frosty start to the morning. Apparently it was the coldest night since February.

National tree week ends today too. Started by the Tree Council in 1975 it’s a time to focus on the importance of tree planting along with celebrate these amazing plants. The week coincides with the best time of year to plant trees. This time round there has been a specific emphasis on promoting the usefulness of trees in combating climate change (by pollution and carbon dioxide absorption).

I have planted many trees in the past, however last week the main job continued to be leaf collection.

A little momento of some beautiful leaves.

While most trees shed leaves consistently over a period of time, in my experience, leaf drop of English/ Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) and European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) tends to occur in one go at the end of Autumn. This has certainly been true this year, as we collected huge amounts of leaves from large Oak and Beech trees in many gardens; their beautiful rich autumnal colours like carpets on the ground.

Both these deciduous trees are from the Fagaceae family which explains their similarities. Both grow to great heights, have dense canopies and can exhibit marcescence (where some dead leaves are retained on the trees throughout winter).

Both trees are great for wildlife too. Beech nuts are eaten by Deer, Badgers (Meles meles), Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), Mice, Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs) and Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla). Even the foliage is food for caterpillars of several species of moth like the Barred hook-tip (Drepana cultraria) and Olive crescent (Trisateles emortualis). Beech trees create a vital habitat for butterflies along woodland edges as well; including Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines) and Gatekeepers (Pyronia tithonus). Plus ectomycorrhizal truffle fungi grow beneath them. Turned into hedges, Beech can also create a habitat for birds.

As with the European Beech, the Pedunculate Oak supports a variety of fungi, animals, birds- particularly Jays (Garrulus glandarius) and insects such as Stag beetles (Lucanus cervus)
and the Purple hairstreak (Neozephyrus quercus) and Purple emperor (Apatura iris) butterflies. In fact of all the native British trees the Pedunculate Oak supports more wildlife than any other tree. Even its leaf litter and dead wood is full of life. I love these wonderful trees, especially ancient oaks. I enjoy thinking of all the hidden life existing alongside me as I work in the gardens. Also they are wonderful trees to hug. ðŸŒģðŸĪ—

Posted in nature

ðŸŽĩðŸŽķI see a Little Silhouetto of some Squirrels

Posted on by BITM

There were a few frosty mornings last week. Only Yarrow (Achilles millefolium) was still flowering around the bus stop.

Now the trees across the road are bare I enjoyed watching three grey squirrels run up and down trees, jumping from branch to branch. They ate from bird feeders alongside Magpies (Pica pica). Occasionally the squirrels flicked their tails when they sensed danger; sending a warning to the other squirrels and letting any predators know they’ve been seen.

A Grey squirrel silhouetted amongst trees.

On Monday I finally managed to obtain a photo of a Red kite (Milvus milvus).

It came down low enough for it to be identifiable in the photo above. I have been trying to get a reasonable photo of a Kite for ages so was very happy to capture one of these beautiful birds at last.

Even though winter is on its way there are signs that spring will arrive eventually too. I noticed buds on another of my favourite trees, the Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) on Wednesday.

It will be ready to flower in March before the leaves appear. The Starlike shape of the white or pink flowers gives this tree it’s common name. Native to Japan this small tree fits nicely in a small garden.