Wildlife
Now that we are spending more time in the garden we have noticed that the wildlife is quite prolific which provides us with more enjoyment. Below are photographs of the wildlife which has been seen in our garden – these will be added to as, and when, I am fortunate to have my camera close to hand at the right time! Some of the photos are a little soft and I will attempt to get better shots in the future!
Squirrels
There's no doubt that squirrels, with their beautiful bushy tails, are cute-looking animals! It's such a pity that they are so destructive and, even more annoying, that they demolish the food in bird-feeders in a matter of minutes! These two blighters better make the best of the food currently available as squirrel-proof cages will shortly be put over the bird-feeders!
Birds
Thrush (left) and Sparrow (right)
Apologies for the poor photos but it is extremely rare to see a thrush in our garden and the sparrow just wouldn't keep still for me! They were taken March and April 2014 respectively.
Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis
The Goldfinch seems to appear either early morning or early evening and seem to flit on and off the bird feeders very quickly so it's not always possible to get a photo of them – let alone a decent one! The following two photos were taken at the same time (7am) as there were two goldfinches enjoying niger seeds whilst a third one was enjoying sunflower hearts.
Greenfinch - Carduelis chloris - Carduelis
A pair of Greenfinches tucking into sunflower hearts - 18th February 2013
Long-tailed tit - Aegithalos caudatus
One sunny afternoon in August 2011 I was sat on the patio when the bird-feeders were suddenly attacked by five Long-tailed tits enjoying a feast from the fat balls. Unfortunately I only managed to get four of them at once but, nevertheless, I couldn't believe my luck!
The blue-tit (left on the feeder below) decided he wasn't going to let the long-tailed tits have all the peanuts!
Blue tit - Parus caeruleus
The blue tit is probably amongst everyone's favourite. They are certainly always bobbing in and out of our garden. The following photo was taken in March 2012.
Great tit - Parus major
The Great tit is slightly larger than the Blue tit and is identifiable by its black and white head and black stripe running down its body. The following photo was taken in July 2012.
Blackbird - Turdus merula
Female blackbird - July 2011
Below: Male blackbird - July 2011
Robin - Erithacus rubecula
Probably everyone's favourite. Photo taken July 2011
– Streptopelia decaocto
A young Collared dove with its Mum were quite happy sat in the oriental teahouse - July 2011!
Street Pigeon – Columba livia
Although sporting a lovely greenish sheen around its neck, the pigeon can be a nuisance - July 2011.
Insects
Ladybird
Below: Ladybird on Acer palmatum 'Shaina' - 22.9.12
Bee-mimicking hoverfly - Volucella bombylans
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