Sunday 13 May 2012

Sunday safari

Sunday safari can now be found here :)

Sunday 29 April 2012

Sunday safari.

Mallards are frequent visitors to the garden.   This poor female, has been chased around by so many suitors during the past week, she often comes to the garden for a little peace and quiet.
When I fed her this morning I noticed she had difficulty walking.     She seems to have a problem with her right leg.      Nella has been confined to the front garden......for the mallards safety.

I am a little concerned for her as we have a family of stoats in the garden at the moment.
Hopefully she will fly away to one of the natural ponds, and find some sanctuary there.

It is still raining...........I think I am starting to grow webbed feet :)

Happy Sunday safari.

Sunday 11 March 2012

Sunday safari

 I am so pleased with the spring meadow beneath the old apple tree.     It has worked well.    I can see I shall add bulbs to this area each autumn :)
 'Harvington double pink has just come into bloom.   Her flowers are more upright than other hellebores.
 Rooks have been busy.........
 The rookery needed extensive repairs.     The breeding season is in full swing.
And finally.......I believe these are little gulls ?     Getting ready to leave our shores.    They fly over the garden each day, calling as they go.      They have been feeding in the field opposite the house.     I shall miss them........

Happy Sunday safari.

Sunday 4 March 2012

Sunday safari

You do not need a large water feature or pond to attract wildlife.    Ten years ago I bought an oak barrel, filled it with water and planted up.    I did not realise but two species of native snails were brought in on the plants.   One was the Great pond snail, the other the Great ramshorn snail.     They have grown in numbers and there is now a small colony.
This feature is also used by the birds.   A small branch placed in the appropriate place allows them to drink.
Correct planting keeps the water clear and healthy.
A nice addition to any garden.

Happy Sunday safari.

Sunday 5 February 2012

Sunday safari

 The snow arrived as forecast.   Too much snow for my liking......I do not like snow :(

 Plenty of bird activity in the garden this morning.   Pied Wagtails are present all year.    They often bring their babies to feed during the summer months.
I do not know why but these little birds always make me smile :)

Happy Sunday safari.

Sunday 29 January 2012

Sunday safari

My ears ache.    The wind feels as though it may just slice me in half.    Lying water has turned to ice.
And yet, that does not take away the magic and wonderment of it all.     Winter is bird time.
Whilst bees and butterflies sleep, birds come to the fore.
For each one I see, I am reminded this is not my garden.   It is communal, shared with any creature that chooses to live here
.

Sweet robin amongst the honeysuckle twigs.   He has been singing to his sweetheart.   Spring is but a heartbeat away.

However high a bird may soar, it seeks its food on earth...........
Danish proverb.

Happy Sunday safari.