Young Robin - taken 2009 in back garden - Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

WEEKLY TWEET

When was the last time you actually watched wildlife in your back garden?

Today? Last week? Can't remember? In today's modern world, we are finding it increasingly difficult to relax and take time out from work or family. This blog is to remind you all of the free entertainment that we can enjoy each and every day - WILDLIFE!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Mystery

Can anyone tell me where all the garden birds go at lunchtime?

I generally try to come home for lunch anytime between 12.30pm - 2pm and my feeders are completely empty! Its as though the birds know I'm on my way home and disappear!
The same has happened today - this morning was a frenzy of Coal, Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinches, Dunnocks and the Robin until lunchtime and then silence!
Do they know something I don't? Does the neighbourhood cat have it's daily prowl around lunch? Does it happen everywhere else? Can anyone enlighten me?

9 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

Hi Sharon, I think it's because there is nothing in their feeders.

Chris said...

Hi Sharon, I think so too. They need to refill their batteries in the morning so I guess when you come at lunchtime, nothing is left!

Sharon said...

Thanks for the comments guys, but the feeders aren't empty until evening - I refill them every morning and they're still half full at lunchtime......nice try though :-)

Warren Baker said...

Hi Sharon,
If you have a Sparrowhawk that is using your garden, they do come in at about the same time every day, this could explain the drop in bird activity.

But also, birds eat first thing in the morning to re-fuel, then they take a break, and come back later just before dusk.....unless it's really cold, then they will eat all day!

Jenny said...

Hi Sharon, when I was living with my Mum and Dad up in the Cotswolds, we would always have a quiet bird time around 8am. I never did figure out why (no Sparrowhawk), sorry, that's not much help to you, but at least you know you're not alone! (-:

FAB said...

Hi Sharon. Ditto..no simple reason BUT there are a number of factors; weather, food availability (even somewhere else), predators (feline, avian & human) but mainly their pattern of behaviour. As Warren indicated they like to feed, then rest, then feed etc., just like us!
Maybe you should change your lunch break!!

Sharon said...

Thanks for all your input - glad to hear its not just me then!

ShySongbird said...

Definitely not just you Sharon, it happens here too. I think they play hide and seek with me!

Kelly said...

...haha...you made me chuckle. The same things sometimes happens to me. There are just times when the back yard is devoid of life, and I don't like it one bit. :-)