October 2016

Thursday 6th October.

The nights are now drawing in and the weather is turning a little colder, which is becoming noticeable by the visits to the bird feeding stations we have in the garden. The Robins are regular visitors now that we have introduced 'free' meal worms. They have reached the stage now where 'on demand feeding' is the norm. Unfortunately the ground feeding station we were using for them has been hijacked by the Magpie and Neville the Pheasant, so I decided to introduce a new station for them.
 
  Rather than buy a fancy bird table from the stores, I have used a discarded tree branch I found laying about in the paddock, as I thought that would be a bit more in keeping with the garden.  I trimmed it up and left a little landing stage so the Robin could perch there before tucking in, as you can see.

This should solve the problem of Neville and the Magpie clearing the bowl each time.  That's what I thought anyway, have a look at this picture.

The Magpie is somewhat cautious coming into the garden, so I reckon he won't be taking too much from the Robins, but  Neville will have to forage under the seed feeders a bit more for his meals.

Hooty the Tawny Owl has been very active over the past week or so, emerging at dusk and calling out through the trees.  His silent flight is a joy to watch as he goes from tree to tree.  The leaves are falling rapidly now so we're getting a better view of him each evening. 

His calls are being answered by a Barn Owl, which we think, lives in the Cattle Shed just behind the cottage.  He'll be getting some company soon when the farmer brings the cows in for the winter.  Hooty usually returns early, just before Charlie the Cockerel greets the new day at sunrise.

Bird update.

One new species so far this week, a Goldfinch.  We have had the Niger seed feeder in place for a few weeks, but no takers so far.  The Goldfinch arrived early this morning and eyed up the feeder.  He will be back I'm sure now that it's getting colder.  

Badgers and Foxes.

The Badgers are still active in the sett at the end of the paddock, as are Johnny the Fox and his pal. We're not sure if this is Johnny's Vixen or another dog fox.  I caught these shots on video last week, and as you can clearly see the foxes tails are significantly different.  Both were captured on film within an hour, so whether they share the territory or it was near chance encounter we're yet to find out. 

 

    
 

Bella the Badger has been very active around the paddock, and even venturing up the lane towards the cottage.  Check the video page for the latest film, where we filmed her coming through one of the animal runs from the paddock into the farmers field next door. I am pleased to say everybody is very tolerant of the Badgers and Foxes here.

We found another Badger Sett across the field just off of the public footpath with evidence nearby of both badgers and foxes.   Here's a somewhat startled Badger who has realized a camera has suddenly appeared by the tree.  

I'm running out of names for all these creatures, so I may be asking for suggestions.

Their sense of smell and apprehension to danger is remarkable, and they have all spotted the cameras so far, and no doubt any scent which I left behind.

Other stuff.

We've signed up for an allotment which is handily situated behind The Plough pub in the village and have chosen our allocated space.  The pub, I have to point out is a Shepherd Neame pub, and the allotment site is owned by the brewery and leased to the local council.  Perhaps we should try growing some hops!

So, looking forward to some homegrown vegetables in due course, that's providing the Badgers don't get there first.

More later...