The number of finches has risen in the last few days with Chaffinches being the most numerous, then Goldfinches and then Greenfinches and then today I had my own pair of Bullfinches, if only briefly!
It is pleasing to see that there is still a fair number of Greenfinches and they do not seem to be showing any signs of the disease TRICHOMONOSIS, which is caused by a microscopic parasite which lives in the upper digestive tract of the bird and its actions block the birds` throat, which leads to the bird being unable to swallow. The bird then dies from starvation. The Greenfinch is the species most commonly effected, but all finches can contract the disease and also House Sparrows and Collared Doves.
There are also high numbers of Blue, Great and Long-tailed tits visiting regularly, with Long-tailed tits feeding mostly on the fat balls, whilst the other birds seem to go for the sunflower hearts.
I do feed the wild birds a wide range of food from a number of feeders dotted around the garden which I am making sure are being kept topped up whilst the arctic wind keeps blasting our shores. It will help the birds survive the winter.
Male Bullfinch
Male Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Robin
Blackbird
Goldfinch
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Robin
Blackbird
Greenfinch
Greenfinch
All digiscoped using Lumix FS15 and Kowa TSN-883 x30
Greenfinch
All digiscoped using Lumix FS15 and Kowa TSN-883 x30
Having a flat, I have missed not having a garden. But, even here, in the car park we get a small variety of birds. Wagtails and crows to name but two.
ReplyDeleteThe enigmatic, masked blogger
Such pleasing photos to see John. I often see a pair of blue tits chasing each other in circles through the trellis fencing.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen long-tails in my garden but they are fairly often to be seen in the nearby nature reserve.
Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi John, greetings from the rainforest! I saw your comment at Gary's and made my way here. Beautiful photos you have here, and your knowledge of birds is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI have many birds at The Farm, have started taking some photos, but no close up so far possible - will be putting them up on my blog soon.
Dear John,
ReplyDeleteit is beautiful to see those stunning pictures! You must be very patient to make them! Here in the big town I got a surprise: in a bush on the other side of the road live about 30 sparrows - debating wildly what is happening around. There are other birds, but of course not as many as in the parc landscape where we lived before. Well: nature is here - and for variety I'll look at your wonderful pictures!
Hi Mask, yes birds are everywhere. I am sure you would suprise yourself to see how many species are around your car park. I don`t get Crows or Wagtails in my garden, my Mum does though, she has even named the crows, Claud and Claudia I think!
ReplyDeleteJ
Thanks bazza. Blue tits are tough birds, I often see them chase other birds away! In fact I saw a pair hassling a Sparrowhawk the other day, it was quite comical to see these two little balls of fluff harrassing this hawk that could have quite easily `took them out` without thinking, it didn`t, it just flew away!
ReplyDeleteJ
Thanks for your comment Grandpa. Maybe you would consider pressing the `follow` button? I will be sure to check out your blog.
ReplyDeleteHope to hear from you again.
J
Hi Britta, thankyou for your kind words. I do not get any sparrows in my garden on a regular basis. I have had a pair of House sparrows on the odd occasion and a Tree sparrow once. I have just put up a nest box specifically aimed at attracting House sparrows, hope it works.
ReplyDeleteNature is all around us, even in towns and cities.
J
Hi John, I haven't been by for a while but am reminded after looking at your beautiful bird photos how much fun it is to come here to look and learn.I used to see more finches before we moved, but now our bird situation is primarily that of crow, and the downy and hairy woodpeckers. The woodpeckers are often "knocking" outside my window while I type. Squirrels of course are the main attraction. That being said, I haven't hung suet or seed to attract others to the roost.
ReplyDeleteThanks `The Snee` for your kind words. I wasn`t quite sure of your Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, so I have to confess to looking them up! What cracking little birds, a bit similar to our Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, which are quite scarce here in Britain. I have had a Greater Spotted Woodpecker in the garden a couple of times, but not regularly. I too get Grey squirrels in the garden, up to 6 at any one time, they are not too much of a problem, I put enough food out for all!
ReplyDeleteJ
John your bird photos are delightful. We don't have quite the variety here at the whimsical gardener that you have so I've really enjoyed the diversity of your visitors. Such wonderful shots, too - I especially like the twins on the feeder!
ReplyDeleteWow amazing photos XX
ReplyDeleteHi John,
ReplyDeleteWhat a colourful array of birds. Once again, your splendid photographs have provided me with a visual delight. For this, I am grateful.
I have a friend who has a similar passion to yours, in regards to birds. I shall get him to visit your site. I know he will marvel at your informative and visually pleasing blog.
With respect, Gary:-)
Thanks for your kind words Cat. I know the photo`s aren`t in your league, but I try my hardest with the tools I have!
ReplyDeletePerhaps you would considers clicking the `Follow` button and come back again?
Thanks again,
J
Thanks Rachel and thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteJ
Thanks Gary and your friend will be very welcome! The more the merrier!
ReplyDeleteWith kindness
J