Tuesday, March 3, 2009

SPRING IS ON THE HORIZON . . BIRDS ARE DOING WHAT BIRDS DO AT THIS TIME OF YEAR . . .

Signs of spring are most definitely in the air. 

Blue tits are occupying one of the boxes, but can I catch the little devils?  I can not. Have watched them coming and going in/out of the box for a few days but as soon as I set my camera they disappear. Obviously camera shy. 
 The other box has not as yet attracted any birds, but I think sparrows have begun work on the end terrace and a robin has been flying in and out of the bushes where a robin box has been attached to the old wall.
 Two blackbirds are building a nest in the hedge against a far wall at bottom of the garden and we have seen some long-tailed tits flitting here and there amongst the bushes.

'Armless (pigeon who damaged his wing) has survived the winter and comes to call, but another tragedy was averted when one of the pigeon quartet that regularly use this garden flew off the roof into the conservatory yesterday and lay almost lifeless in the guttering - blood pouring from its beak. Looked as though its neck had snapped. 
Sounded like a gun shot (some would say no more than a pigeon deserves) but faced with a wounded creature it's difficult not to respond to the call of nature.

Her (I think) beak was gently bathed and she was placed on some soft fabrics (hmm) with water and soft breadcrumbs and placed in the shed o/night. I thought she would be dead by morning, but such is the power of natural healing that she was up and about tho' wobbly on her legs - greeting her mate. At least that's who I think he was (definitely male 'cos he strutted). 
Could have been her father.

So ends what might have been a tragic tale!  She has joined the family and known as 'Beaky' tho' I have now changed it to Becky.

'Legless' is one of the blackbirds that frequent the garden. Has lost his claw (foot)and walks on his ankle-less leg (not sure what it's called in bird anatomy). 
Seems OK and we look forward to seeing his offspring later in the year.

The quince tree is a regular perch for two ring-necked doves.  
A thrush is seen occasionally, as are 2 magpies, a host of coal-tits - a little mouse and a squirrel we call 'Sammy.'

Bit like a menagerie - but it's providing an interest and entertainment for my invalid and that can't be bad.


1 comment:

Grammy said...

Babs, I love your description of your bird friends! We enjoy watching the birds, too. Mostly robins, bluejays, hummingbirds, and the like around here. (no hummingbirds, yet, too cold).
Thanks for your colorful descriptions and the pictures, too.
Thinking of you both.
Love,
Ruby