What birds (are you/have you been) watching? What birds have been watching you?

[kernelbogey]

Last Christmas eve as I was setting out for Breakfast with friends and the Harmony Choir’s carol sing through Falmouth (Alas Covid cancelled this year), I was greeted as I got my car out by the sound of a robin - Dawn Chorus or a Christmas special - don’t know but it was a joy to hear!

Yes - it was a robin here this morning I was noticing, but i think I have heard other birds - at very early light. (Will monitor further.)

[gradus]

Surely the magpies will go for sausages?

Magpies! Don't get me started ...

[cloughie]

This afternoon a short episode which was sheer delight - a couple of goldfinches landed t partake of seeds from our verbena stems - then two more and they increased to 24 then suddenly they were off - must have heard or seen something - but what a lovely sight - really matched their description of a charm.

[LezLee]

Last Christmas eve as I was setting out for Breakfast with friends and the Harmony Choir’s carol sing through Falmouth (Alas Covid cancelled this year), I was greeted as I got my car out by the sound of a robin - Dawn Chorus or a Christmas special - don’t know but it was a joy to hear!

I see and hear 'my' robin in the garden every day. Often a wren too. Plenty of blackies on the cotoneaster.

[Dave2002]

Went out to photograph wintery scenes this morning, and a skein of geese came overhead. I took several shots - though need to review them to see if any are any good.

We do have a robin which spends time in our back garden. No sign of tits at the moment - not sure where they've gone. I have topped up the fat balls and peanuts in the feeders.

[Dave2002]

This afternoon a short episode which was sheer delight - a couple of goldfinches landed to partake of seeds from our verbena stems - then two more and they increased to 24 then suddenly they were off - must have heard or seen something - but what a lovely sight - really matched their description of a charm.

That must have been a sight indeed. I found it difficult to attract goldfinches to feeders years ago in our previous location, but other people told me there were some around. Eventually I did succeed in enticing a couple to feed, and I took photos, though they're not very good, but at least I saw what goldfinches look like. I think there are goldfinches around here, but I've only had a brief glimpse in a neighbour's garden. Twenty four - wow! I guess they must like verbenas.

[jayne lee wilson]

That must have been a sight indeed. I found it difficult to attract goldfinches to feeders years ago in our previous location, but other people told me there were some around. Eventually I did succeed in enticing a couple to feed, and I took photos, though they're not very good, but at least I saw what goldfinches look like. I think there are goldfinches around here, but I've only had a brief glimpse in a neighbour's garden. Twenty four - wow! I guess they must like verbenas.

Remember you can use a Nyger Seed dispenser to attract Goldfinches...if they are in your area, they will come for those tiny black needles....
"Build it and they will come".....

https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/nyjer-seed-feeders/rspb-ultimate-nyjer-feeder-small-5-5kg-nyjer-seed.html?ClickType=Image&ListType=&ListName=&Position=8

They breed here, and twitter in the treetops when they flock in Autumn and Winter; the will eat sunflower hearts etc but the Nygers are the true Goldfinch-magnets... you'll need to keep something sharp and narrow to poke out the dispenser apertures occasionally!

[gradus]

Something hawk-ey on the road verge dispatching an unfortunate victim, all glimpsed at 40mph on the road to Stanton, Sfk.

[Pulcinella]

Our local adult male swan has sadly died, after flying into one of the houses.
He was taken to (RSPB?) hospital, but didn't survive, thought first reports were of damage only to a wing.
Mum and the three youngsters looked unconcerned this afternoon, feeding themselves on the grass round the lake.
I hope that a new mate is found, and that the female (pen) doesn't languish.

[teamsaint]

Our local adult male swan has sadly died, after flying into one of the houses.
He was taken to (RSPB?) hospital, but didn't survive, thought first reports were of damage only to a wing.
Mum and the three youngsters looked unconcerned this afternoon, feeding themselves on the grass round the lake.
I hope that a new mate is found, and that the female (pen) doesn't languish.

Here they are. Very sorry to hear about the male.

[Pulcinella]

Here they are. Very sorry to hear about the male.

Many thanks, ts!
That photo was taken on 31 August.
Youngsters turning whiter now, as you'd expect.

[teamsaint]

Many thanks, ts!
That photo was taken on 31 August.
Youngsters turning whiter now, as you'd expect.

No problem. I should have tried enlarging it, but didn't realise it would come out that size. Doh !!

[ardcarp]

Saw a heart-warming flock of long-tailed tits in the garden this morning. Is there a proper collective noun for them? If not, there should be. Suggestions?

[vinteuil]

Saw a heart-warming flock of long-tailed tits in the garden this morning. Is there a proper collective noun for them? If not, there should be. Suggestions?

... apparently a group of Long-tailed Tits is collectively known as a "volery" of tits.


.

[Bryn]

Saw a heart-warming flock of long-tailed tits in the garden this morning. Is there a proper collective noun for them? If not, there should be. Suggestions?

"Flock" seems to be used but I like to think in terms of "raiding party".