As I've mentioned before I love to feed the wild birds and today I thought I'd show you a brief glimpse of the usual shenanigans that go on at just one of my feeders.
This feeder is a favourite of the Goldfinches.
There are so many visiting our place now... I've actually counted a flock of 32 at one stage.
The birds obviously approve of the sunflower hearts.
I have to replenish the feeder daily because they are hungry little b*****'s!
The sunflower hearts are an excellent source of energy and because they have been striped of their husks, they are cleaner and an excellent souce of energy.
It can all start off quite polite and genial, but then it can suddenly go pear-shaped.
Someone might be taking too long on the perch or pushing in unannounced... then it all kicks off!
Feathers fly!
There really isn't any need for this nonsense, because I have three other feeding areas dotted around the house... all with numerous types of various food.
You may notice that the field behind is covered in frost.
That's because we woke up to -5C this morning.
Yes, that's not a typo... its a minus!
It's barely risen above minus degrees all day and now it's actually dropping once again, so no wonder the little birds are panicking and eating for all their worth.
They actually have to eat 30% of their body weight in order to survive.
Which reminds me I must put in another order for more seed soon.
Here's another of my little visitors.
The robin.
The robin.
We currently have four dotted around, but this one seems to be extremely camera shy.
This happens to be the nearest that I've ever been able to photograph him.
Sometimes, I think he's just toying with me because he can come and sit right where I've been, as soon as I leave. I'm determined to get a good photo of him one day.
Wish me luck...
Wish me luck...
And finally some visitors who have decided to stay nearby for the time being.
I know realise that geese can be incredibly vociferous!
I know realise that geese can be incredibly vociferous!
I'm thankful that they haven't found my seed yet.
I'm linking up with Mersad's Through My Lens.
There's lots of great photographers over there if you want to visit then click here
I hope your Monday has gone well and the week just gets better.
Have fun and I hope to see you again soon
Brilliant photos, which I presume were taken with your super camera. I would love a good camera but I know that when the good shots were there, my camera wouldn't be!!
ReplyDeleteThey certainly were taken with that camera Pam, but unfortunately I've still not got that zoom lens. Just imagine what great closeups I'd have been able to get if I did have it.
DeleteMy camera very often isn't to hand, but I've trained my peeps that if I shout 'CAMERA' they know to run to me with it, whilst taking the lens cap off and switching it on!
You can't beat having good staff (haha)
I must admit I miss all the birds coming to our feeders when we lived in North Carolina - we always had an abundance of gold finches. And I too used sunflower hears - in a open dish feeder I use peanuts - they are a favorite too. Loved your pictures Sugar.
ReplyDeleteSandy xx
Thanks Sandy,
DeleteMy birds have sunflower hearts, peanuts, suet, and general mixed birdseed plus a little grated cheese as a treat now and again. The robin's love cheese!
I really missed our native birds whilst living away, so it's great to have so many amazing kinds coming to visit me now.
Today I had three woodpeckers in one tree. Our numbers are increasing so much... it's costing a small fortune... but well worth it!
Now that we've been having sub-zero temps (and there's a snowstorm today), I am extra glad I have the bird feeder out there for our feathered friends.
ReplyDeleteLively in your garden! Lovely birds!
ReplyDeleteno robins here sadly. I'm hoping all the cats havent scared/eaten them this year (or it could be the gulls that are the problem, seem to be a lot this year)
ReplyDelete