Haven't been out much this week other than domestic and more Christmas shopping. So, moving swiftly on!!
Today in the garden all the usual suspects around. The Blackcap hasn't put in an appearance again, so obviously just passing through. Had the jays and also a male Great Spotted Woodpecker and about five Long-tailed Tits.
What I did discover though.....
This isn't a very exciting picture, but it illustrates where I've used the top of a plastic garden table to catch the fallen sunflower hearts from the feeders above. Currently the feeder pole is standing on an area covered by stones; this can become somewhat unpleasant in the wet winter months so the table top helps.
I decided I was going to move the feeder and take up the stones - however - I was prevented.
As I lifted the table top, I observed a very neat rounded dome of leaves. Now these couldn't possibly have blown underneath the few centimetres gap between the table top and the ground. Whilst I stood there pondering, the occupant of the "leaf house" ran out - I don't know who was most surprised - the Field Mouse or me! What a great spot to build a winter home - dry and protected and with a constant food source - well done little mouse!
So - the table top is back in place and will now stay there until the Spring at least when I shall take stock again.
Had a quick wander through Esher Common today - through the wooded area. Apart from the usual Tits, Robins and Blackbirds etc., Great Spotted Woodpeckers called but weren't going to show themselves; the Long-tailed tits entertained me fitting through the trees. A cormorant flew along the river and quickly out of sight - first time I've seen one here. A Jay made itself known by its raucous call and then landed in the trees alongside me. And then - just as I neared the car park, that wonderful sound and then the sight of two goldcrests - lovely!
So not a bad stroll although it was grey and cloudy.
A portion of the above picture - can you see a face?
Posts
9 comments:
Good to have you back tricia - I wondered where you'd gone!
Aw Steve - thank you
(just blame my absence on the time of year Lol)
That first tree above has a lot of damage down one side. I wonder what would have done it? Will it continue to live in that condition or will it allow too many bugs etc to get in and do more damage?
can't remember which film it was but that tree looks as if it is going to move any minute and open its mouth to shout get out of my forest
sheila
Hi Tricia....love the mouse story and well done for you putting his shelter back together.....
I love some of the tree trunks in your photographs.....wonderful habitat for all sorts of creature.....insect hotels.......
and yes I could see a face.....probably one of the cast from Lord of the Rings.....
Mick - I don't know what the tree died of, but it will provide a home to many wildlife species now :)
Sheila - I know what you mean - if it got up and moved about it wouldn't surprise me Lol
Cheryl - Think you may be right about Lord of Rings -
That looks a great place to walk. Very mystical looking. Although the steps look a bit treacherous.
Awww, dear little mouse. Glad you let him keep his shelter. I really like the pictures. Janine is right, it does look mystical there.
Janine and OC - yes, it is mystical and it's one of my favourite walking spots.
Janine - the steps do need to be negotiated with care - especially when it's so wet and muddy at this time of the year.
Post a Comment