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!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Where's the reliable bird gone?

From the very first day we moved in we thought it odd that we hadn't seen a Robin in our garden.  We assumed it would eventually find us but after 3 months of living here, we've still not seen or heard one around the neighbourhood!  Is that normal? I've never lived anywhere before where there's not been the faithful old Robin visiting.
We even left a spade upright in the soil for it to land on :-)

We do have lots of Sparrows and Starlings though, could it be that there's too much competition for food?  Maybe we should've waited before buying the Robins nest box - needless to say that's empty but it is well covered now by all the ivy and clematis that's growing around it!

The garden is still full of fledglings which is always nice to see even though they do make a racket at 5.30am!
I think there's bad news regarding the Housemartins nest - yesterday a male Sparrow decided it liked the look of the nest and moved in!  I've never seen that before and the Housemartins certainly didn't like it.  I'm not sure if there's eggs / chicks inside but I'd say the family has been evicted!
Surely the Sparrows would be settled in their own nests by now?  I'm hoping the Housemartins win it back - there were quite a few mobbing the intruder whenever he flew out and he appeared to be by himself.

The next couple of photos are of flowers in our garden - I'm not really a flower person so I'm not even going to try to name them but I just like the colours!
And finally, one of the first flower on our Mangetout plants!

8 comments:

Warren Baker said...

You'll get Robins in the garden later in the year Sharon, they are busy with young at the moment, and are going into moult, so keep out of harms way at this time of year.

Jenny said...

I was going to echo Warren's comment Sharon. I'm sure you'll get ol' robin redbreast along later, maybe in the autumn. I hope the House Martins win that nest war, they need all the help they can get! Keep us posted.... (-:

Bob Bushell said...

It's a natural beauty, that's the way things go.

Phil Slade said...

To echo other advice Sharon, you will get robin in the autumn after the breeding season. Strictly speaking they are not a garden bird but one of woodland.

ShySongbird said...

Both your flowers are Osteospermums or Cape Daisies as they are more commonly known.

My garden Robin has been quite noticeable this time but last year (assuming it's the same one) was very reluctant to show itself until later in the year. Of course it could just be hiding from the neighbourhood cats! I hope the link I left you on the last comment was some help?

Sharon said...

Thanks for the comments - I'm just finding it strange not to have a Robin around - I actually miss it! Will definitely keep you posted about the Housemartins, looking like the Sparrows won though :-(
Shysongbird - that link you gave me was brill (thanks) - I especially like the motion sensor that squirts water - just need to find out if they deliver to Ireland!

FAB said...

You are not alone Sharon, our Robin has gone into hiding as well but will be back. Great to see all the other feeding activity. FAB.

Chris said...

Hi Sharon,
BEautiful post once again. We are also getting babies everywhere now, but they just appeared few days ago ;-)