My Garden 2023

Today I kept watch off and on from 09:00 to 15:30 and in the back garden it reminded me of rush hour in a big city, it was manic! Mid morning we had a sleet shower for about fifteen mins but after that it was sunny and cold. Although the cat didn't appear the Sparrowhawk did on two occasions but left empty handed: 
Starling - 41
Blackbird - 2m 2f  ( first time for months had two female)
Common Gull - 2
Feral Pigeon - 12 (one had a gammy leg) 
Goldfinch - 32
Greenfinch - 4
Spuggies - c36
Sparrowhawk - 1
Blue Tit - 7
Coal Tit - 2
Great Tit - 2
Crow - 2
Jackdaw - 15 ( four put on a flying display lasting thirty mins, really enjoyed it, reminded me of raptors hunting)
Robin - 1
Chaffinch - 8
Wood Pigeon - 2
Collared Dove - 1
Magpie - 1
Wren - 1

Highlight had to be the four Jackdaw display, also the Magpie and two Jackdaw on the fat ball feeders antics!

John

Have checked my logbook for 2019 when the Bramblings were here 79 consecutive days. It was January 31st when two females arrived along with 24 Chaffinch (and 2 Tree Sparrow) the weather was frosty and very cold, the following day only one female came with four Chaffinch and weather was a bit milder. On the following day we did have some snow and the female came with a male. On the 3rd Feb one male and two females came with the 24 Chaffinch again. After that date up to April 19th there wasn't anymore snow and it also turned milder on quite a number of days, the male was the last one I had that year.

So I was wrong in thinking the Brambling would come if the weather was severe, it will come as and when it likes. Today I noticed the amount of Chaffinch had doubled from past days so am hoping the numbers keep rising and a Brambling/s will tag along.

John  

Aye suppose I am. While watching I especially kept checking the Chaffinch, and said to myself, wonder if the Brambling will return, and my inner voice said yes if the weather gets really bad. Was told at weekend there is a single Brambling only two miles from me as the Crow flies, so watch this space!

Hope to get more feeders soon just in case we do have a bad winter then the Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Redpoll and Siskins may visit again!

John 

Good, but could do better. You're supposed to be the king of the bramblings, John. What have you done with them all

Had an enforced day at home but lots to see.

Goldcrest - 1 (rare visitor)
Long-tailed Tit - 6 (rare Visitor)
Robin - 1
Crow - 2
Common Gull - 1
Jackdaw - 4
Wren - 1 (rare visitor)
Feral Pigeon - 6
Spuggies - 32 (oddly some have gone in back garden but plenty of food in front)
Great Tit - 2
Coal Tit - 3
Blue Tit - 6
Greenfinch - 4
Chaffinch - 4
Collared Dove - 1
Magpie - 3
Goldfinch - 18
Blackbird - 7
Dunnock - 1
Wood Pigeon - 2
Spotted a cat hiding in between the low lilac etc below some feeders, told it to "go away" quite a few times but it always returned, luckily it got nowt.

Highlights:  Goldcrest, Wren, LT Tit & Coal Tits!

John

Had a good stay at home day! Watched off and on from 08:15 to 15:30

Blackcap - 1 male ( Nov 27th & 28th last year had same, wonder if it's same bird) on buddleia.
Goldfinch - 18 
Starling - 13
Jackdaw - 8
Greenfinch - 4
Common Gull - 1
Spuggies - 24
Blackbird - 4
Great Tit - 2
Crow - 1
Wood Pigeon - 2
Feral Pigeon - 7
Chaffinch - 5
Robin - 1
Blue Tit - 6 (enjoyed three bathing together)
Magpie - 2
Dunnock - 1
Collared Dove - 1
Coal Tit - 1

Filled all fourteen feeders ready for tomorrow.  
Highlight obviously the Blackcap and my fave small bird Coal Tit.

John