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!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Don't you just love Dads!

The first text I got off my Mum this morning told me that my Dad had seen his first ever Woodpecker! It was the local Green Woodpecker feeding on the fat square in their garden first thing.

This made me smile as my dad is in his 70's and never really been into the whole nature / wildlife thing.
What made me laugh out loud was the fact he thought it was a Parrot! :-)
Bless him!
Have to say I'm jealous though, as we never got them (Woodpeckers or Parrots) whilst I was living at home!

Anyway, back to my garden and I'm pleased to say we now have a pair of Siskins regularly feeding on the nuts.

Male Siskin

Pair of Siskins (you can just make out the female at the bottom)

They seem to arrive later on in the afternoon, as though they're dropping in on their way home.
The large flock of Long Tailed Tits seem to have diminished slightly and we now only have 2 that come every day, obviously they've started to pair up now.


Hello!

The Chaffinches have now noticed the Sunflower Seeds, which is bad news for the Coal Tits as they're chasing everything off that ventures near the feeder! I was thinking I might alternate layers of normal seed in with the sunflowers just to see what else it will attract.

Chaffinches hogging the Sunflower Seeds

Coal Tit before being chased off by the Chaffinches!

The Lesser Redpoll hasn't returned yet but I'm still watching out for it every day, it may return with the Siskins again, you never know!

I also noticed the Rat has a partner so I'm assuming somewhere in the wood out the back may be a whole load of baby rats running around! As long as they stay out there & not inside then they're okay.


7 comments:

Cheryl said...

I am fascinated that your chaffinch use the feeders. I have many in my gardens and they will only take food from the ground.

I love the story re green woodpecker.....your Dad is just so cute.....

I had a visit from a siskin the other day....a first for me, so that was lovely.


The photo of the LTT peeking around the feeder is just lovely.......

I have a pair of rats coming through the fencing from the railway at the bottom of the garden. Like you I am expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet. Nella will be on patrol again, no doubt......

ShySongbird said...

Lovely photos Sharon,I love how Mr Chaffinch is staring at the camera.

I'm envious of your Siskins, I've only ever had a brief visit from them and that was two years ago. I'm also envious of Dad's Parrot/Woodpecker :)

Phil Slade said...

Great pictures Sharon, love the Siskin. I once met a guy about 70 who had "never seen" a Greenfinch. Be thankful your eyes are open to wildlife, it's a wonderful thing.

Forest the Bear said...

That Long Tailed Tit saying hello, is just so cute...great shot sharon.

The shot of the rat makes me want one as a pet...they are just so cool!

Warren Baker said...

Nice photo's today Sharon. I think your idea with the sunflower hearts will pay off. :-)

Sharon said...

Cheryl - thanks, its the first time the Chaffinches have used any feeders that I've put out, I think they like this one due to the large metal perch going all the way round it.

ShySongbird - thanks, you never know with all the cold weather you're getting the Siskins may return to you.

Phil- thanks, I know what you mean, to be honest I'm proud of my dad for even looking at the fat square!

Forest - thanks, I love that photo too! Hmmm not sure about having a rat as a pet, I prefer Ferrets!

Warren - thanks for your comments, I'm definitely going to layer different mixes into the feeder this week.

Anonymous said...

Absolutly LOVE the LTT picture :)