Birds

Misc April 2023

Salcey Forest 16/11/22

An impromptu ‘me’ day, to get some serious writing done.

I got some writing done.

I decided to go to Salcey Forest to write. I tend to get more done that way – less likely to nap. I perched on a picnic bench with my books, a coffee, and a bakewell slice, leaving crumbs on display so that the birds would know they were very welcome to join me. Captured a few videos. As well as this nutchatch and robin, I saw great tits and a beautful blue tit that was just too quick for me. And the plumpest of plump wood pigeons basking in the sun.

Nuthatch
Robin

Baby wood pigeon!

Willen Lake 01/07/22

Baby coot – death by cute.

Terrible video quality unfortunately.

The starlings of Kingston Shopping Centre car park

Alright look, day to day I do not get to visit the most interesting places on the planet. Sometimes the Kingston Shopping Centre car park will have to do. Not only am I a wasteful person -I had leftover crusts from my sandwich at lunch – I am also irresponsible and throw food to birds in car parks. I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation it all got a bit Alfred Hitchcock and I had to close the window.

A balcony visitor

I like to think it came by to admire my efforts in growing things, but I suspect food may have been the main motivating factor. Still, a win for the pigeon and a win for me.

Ouse Valley Park, 30th May 2022

Yesterday I went for a walk along the river. The river is very reedy. More reedy than I remember it ever being before. Perhaps the Parks Trust are delaying reed removal? They’re alive with all sorts of bird sounds. I saw quite a few reed buntings, but did not have a camera with me. So, I went back today and managed to snap one. I’d been about to give up because I was hungry, but spotted it just in time. It is such a good feeling when the waiting pays off. It’s not even like the waiting was terrible – the weather was fine at that point, and there were birds everywhere. Some kind of thrush – I think mistle, but it’s hard to tell isn’t it? Also a fluffy baby geese, a green woodpecker that I had no chance of capturing, even some swallows. Pigeons, magpies, ducks, blackbirds, all sorts. Amazing.

Nesting pied wagtail

Husband has found a pied wagtail nesting in his wood shed. What a striking little sweetheart! Update 24/05/22 – fluffy baby birds! You can just about see their grumpy yellow beaks in the bottom photo, waiting to be fed.

The ‘I know I shouldn’t be feeding the pigeons and certainly not bread but the fact is I love pigeons and try to get them to come closer to me by putting the bread on my boots but I feel guilty even though I’m having a lot of fun sorry not sorry (except I am really sorry don’t be angry) (wow this caption is the best summary of me ever)’ photo gallery of pigeon pics.

Robin at Rushmere, 3rd April 2022.

Terrible photos taken during my lunchtime walks.

My parents’ garden birds.

My parents live in the Forest of Dean and see a variety of woodland birds visiting the garden.

The birds of Blenheim.

I can recommend this unconventional foot massage.
The ducks at Blenheim are brave! A great place for close encounters of the ducky kind.
This is my favourite photo of me ever. Just after this was taken the parrot dropped the feather on the floor. Before I could pick it up (clearly it was a gift for me) a small boy ran over and took it. Livid.

Wood pigeon appreciation page.

Bird art.