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

[Anna]

My grey squirrel population has increased by 100%. I suspected as much for some time, but today I saw both together. I now fear the worst.

I never used to have a squirrel (one would occasionally appear now and again) but now I have too have a pair (or at least one permanently and the second coming and going). I think it's because the oak had one of those years when it produced millions of acorns I was sweeping up bucket loads of them. One has been a complete pest digging up flowerbeds, grass, etc., burying acorns. I have no idea how to get rid of them. I haven't been putting food out for the birds because with all the mild weather it seems they still have plenty to feed on and traffic to the garden has been very slight.

The other morning, around 6am, after a clear and starry night it was nice to be woken by a pair of owls, one in the oak the other in the ash, having a conversation. I guess with all the rain they've really been suffering and not able to hunt much.

[Dave2002]

Red kite close up yesterday. First a lot of screeching, and one bird flew around at high speed, might have been a parakeet - looked like it had swept back curved wings, but not the time of year for other birds with that kind of wing and speed I think.

Then I saw the raptor, and it had the V shaped tail with the gap, so definitely a kite. It flew around a bit. Eventually it flew right over our garden, just above tree top height. Looked slow, but also very big from that viewpoint. Wasn't actually slow, as flew away quite rapidly after scanning the area.

[Dave2002]

Well spotted Richard.

I spotted four goldfinches this morning. I hope they are back.
My grey squirrel population has increased by 100%. I suspected as much for some time, but today I saw both together. I now fear the worst.

Grey squirrels are a pain. If you're in an area with red squirrels you should probably get a shot gun to bop off the grey ones. Traps could harm the red ones, so not a great idea.

[Bryn]

Grey squirrels are a pain. If you're in an area with red squirrels you should probably get a shot gun to bop off the grey ones. Traps could harm the red ones, so not a great idea.

Humane (non-lethal) traps might work without detriment to Reds, but do bare in mind that once caught, the Greys must not be released, at least, not in the England or Wales. Not sure about the law relating to Greys in Scotland.

Oh, and re. Red Kites, as against squirrels, they have become a much more common sight close to my residence. Like a certain dead parrot, "lovely plumage".

[gradus]

We had squirrels in the roof space (there's the lob). Our local licensed catcher trapped 10 before they stopped taking the bait and I haven't seen or heard any since. Seldom saw them in the garden thanks to the cats who always gave chase but never caught them although it was enthralling to watch a cat chase (course?) a squirrel as it jinxed across the grass only to shoot up a tree and pause to turn and give the cat a contemptuous stare.

[Lento]

I tend to feel conflicted about non-native species such as grey squirrels and parakeets: after all it's not their fault that they are here (plus I like watching them). Interesting to hear Americans berating the house sparrow and starling which, in the UK, are much loved and still Red Listed as being in need of any help we can give them. Iolo Williams once said on TV that he hates grey squirrels, and he really seemed to mean it: seemed a bit strange, even if they are an ecological menace.

[Padraig]

I tend to feel conflicted about non-native species such as grey squirrels ....I like watching them.... even if they are an ecological menace.

I'm in the same boat, Lento. I rationalise by persuading myself that my grey squirrels are lovable rogues while all others, including yours, are the ecological menace.
I am intrigued by Bryn's suggestion that once humanely trapped, greys may not be released in England or Wales, where presumably they were captured. As Harry Hill might ask: What happens next?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I tend to feel conflicted about non-native species such as grey squirrels and parakeets: after all it's not their fault that they are here (plus I like watching them). Interesting to hear Americans berating the house sparrow and starling which, in the UK, are much loved and still Red Listed as being in need of any help we can give them. Iolo Williams once said on TV that he hates grey squirrels, and he really seemed to mean it: seemed a bit strange, even if they are an ecological menace.

My attitude to grey squirrels, too - fascinating creatures, and entirely our (ancestors') fault that they're here. And I was completely taken aback by Iolo Williams' comments, too (normally he's so calmly erudite and enthusiastic - but definitely a touch of the Sons of Owain Glyndwr about these remarks!) I prefer Bill Oddie's approach some years ago when someone described greys as "evil" - "No, that's rubbish; they're just surviving. If they're a problem, it's one of our own making."

[Richard Tarleton]

I am intrigued by Bryn's suggestion that once humanely trapped, greys may not be released in England or Wales, where presumably they were captured. As Harry Hill might ask: What happens next?

Padraig, the law is to stop you relocating them, i.e. releasing them somewhere else. Once you've trapped them you have to kill them. It's to stop the problem simply being transferred.

The squirrel record from our kitchen window is nine, around the apple tree with the bird feeders - there are always more in late summer when there are lots of young. I've invested in "squirrel-proof" ( ) bird feeders which aren't bad though the squirrels go for any exposed plastic. We've reached a sort of modus vivendi with them - I certainly couldn't kill them, as it's the presence of the bird food we provide that encourages them. They are quite entertaining - funniest was when I'd accidentally left the shed door open and a squirrel had found the sacks of seed and peanuts. After I'd chased him out and closed the door, the bafflement as he climbed all over the shed, trying to work it out, was a joy to behold.

Good sense as ever from Bill Oddie!

[gradus]

Just now, a juvenile bullfinch on a hawthorn tree in the garden. They're rare visitors to my garden these days so I'm delighted that a pair are somewhere in the vicinity.

[Dave2002]

I'm in the same boat, Lento. I rationalise by persuading myself that my grey squirrels are lovable rogues while all others, including yours, are the ecological menace.
I am intrigued by Bryn's suggestion that once humanely trapped, greys may not be released in England or Wales, where presumably they were captured. As Harry Hill might ask: What happens next?

Round here there are only greys, so apart from them being a bit of a nuisance at times some of us find them cute, and leave them alone, though try not to encourage them too much. They seem to like wire, and one set of solar lights was completely wrecked by squirrels cutting the wire into small segments. I threatened to put 240V wiring in instead, but didn't!

Some people are inclined to trap and kill them for other reasons, and apparently if the bodies are dumped "over the hedge" the foxes take them away very quickly.

In areas where there are red squirrels though the "moral" issues are harder. Should we be culling one variety simply to give another, presumably less successful, a better chance? It's still survival of the fittest though, but the definition of fittest includes "fitter = humans find them (reds?) cuter".

Perhaps you have this potential dilemma?

[Padraig]

It's still survival of the fittest though, but the definition of fittest includes "fitter = humans find them (reds?) cuter".

Perhaps you have this potential dilemma?

Dave, squirrels of either hue are a rarity where I live. On my travels I once spotted a red squirrel miles from here; in my neighbourhood I first saw a grey about 2 years ago in my own garden. He has been with me on and off ever since and I do find him cute. He has recently been joined by another hilarious grey. I have not yet reached a point where I must decide 'What Happens Next'. There are no Reds to protect, and very few Greys (2) so far, so I'll put decisions on the long finger and enjoy the fun, and the chase, in the meantime.
In principle I don't object to getting rid of recognised pests; I have killed mice and flies.

[ardcarp]

The Glossy Ibis which I mentioned somewhere upthread is still around on our local marshes/nature reserve. Mrs A saw it today, but the local birders have ceased to be amazed by it and just say, "Oh that". No-one can understand what it's doing here nor where it will go (and in which direction) in the Spring.

I found this:

there appears to be a growing trend for the Spanish birds to winter in Britain and Ireland,

Why would anyone from Spain want to WINTER in Britain?

[Richard Tarleton]

there appears to be a growing trend for the Spanish birds to winter in Britain and Ireland,[/I]

Why would anyone from Spain want to WINTER in Britain?

A possible prelude to breeding, it seems. It makes sense to go north if they're searching for wetter conditions, coupled with our increasingly mild winters. Traditional wintering areas in Africa drier still? Watching the Pembrokeshire ones (influx of 25-30 in winter 2011-12, above) they fed on worms in boggy fields well trampled by cattle. A big freeze, and they could move on. I believe ours popped over for a long weekend in Ireland....

From the RSPB:

The closest glossy ibis nesting site to the UK is in the south of France, with more in southern Spain and in south-east Europe. It’s believed that drier conditions in southern Spain may have pushed some birds further north this summer in the search for favourable nesting sites. Since 1997 several southern European heron species have nested in Britain for the first time, including the now firmly-established little egret, and the colonising great white egret.....With a changing climate we’re anticipating that several more southern European bird species may colonise southern England in the next few years, following on from the already-established little egret and more recently great white egret. So we’re planning for their arrival by creating and managing the ideal conditions on our nature reserves, especially wetlands, with these potential colonists in mind.

I remember the thrill of seeing my first little egrets, well over 30 years ago, in Mallorca. Not only do we see them all the time here now, I've seen up to 14 from my front door. And glossy ibis have flown over the village....

[gradus]

Greater spotted woodpecker, thrush and juvenile bullfinch on tree-hung feeders just now and the welcome return of two beautiful chaffinches as well as robins, blackbirds, blue tits and great tits. Very glad that I put out the feeders a couple of weeks ago. The cats are entranced but in the kitchen watching through the windows.