A former colleague of mine has been round this afternoon and has been marvelling at our garden and the vast numbers of birds in it!  He wants to come back next week with a camera and take some photos 

Species we've had include: Goldfinches, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Blackbirds,  a Wren, Pigeons, Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, Sparrows, Green Finches, Song Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, Chaffinches, Long talied Tit, Coal Tit, House Martins, a Pheasant (!) and Starlings!   

I saw a totally white blackbird once.

International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday.

I noticed a blackbird with white splashes on one of its wings in the garden several times one year.

We often have a heron flapping its way overhead and occasionally landing on the fence to eye up next-door's goldfish pond but I once spotted two herons perched in a tree right near the house - an amazing sight and no camera to hand!

A pair of ducks often perch on the very top ridge of the roof opposite - swaying about in the wind if they're standing! Webbed feet can't give a very secure grip, they do look out of place up there. The other morning there was just one there, quacking away before finally flying off. However, we've seen both since. 

I was delighted to see a little flock of goldfinches on the teasels one year.

As I type, a blackbird is shouting his head off - that repetitive chup chup chup chup, having finished his melodious song which has an amusing little upward squeal repeated at the end of every two or three phrases.

I like the cheeky little wrens chirping, and I'm fond of the cheeping sparrows and great tits too. And round here the dawn chorus is deafening - a great wall of sound! Now I can hear a robin.

I reckon George  is quite correct. Tis unmistak(e)ably a Ring Ous(z)el (Turdus torquatus torquatus). According to my copy of 'Birds of the Wayside and Woodland' its a Blackbird type thingy with similar habits, call, nest and eggs. I remember it well from my birds egg collecting days as a youth. Ahh yes. Those were the days. Not a care in the .... 

Don't you hose him down?
That reminds me, there were 4 fat wood pigeons in our flowering cherry yesterday, wobbly along the thin branches, gobbling up the buds! I didn't scare them off as they looked so comical - and they must have been hungry. I've seen a bullfinch in that tree in the past - perhaps he was pecking off the flowerbuds too. I don't mind, there's still lots of blossom. Though a large flock of wood pigeons would soon strip it completely. I've often noticed a blackbird in the company of these pigeons when they're on the lawn - he must feel safer with them around.

On the walk home from the station this evening I saw a song thrush chasing a jay, and a male mallard on a roof.

Just thought you ought to know...

Tommo

I can't be absolutely sure, but it's the only place around here where he can actually have a good run.  I can assure you that more people cause damage on there than my dog.  You wouldn't believe what goes on!

We are fast running out of places to take dogs generally.  I would never take him on a children's playground or playing field.  I don't agree with dogs on the beach or in parks.  I don't let him foul pavements.  I've trained him to go to the loo in our own garden only.  He needs a good run daily and the reserve is the only place around here where children don't ever go (there's a very good reason but I don't intend to elaborate on here.  I'd never allow a child of mine on there without me.)

Anyway, he is a dog and if I'm not very much mistaken he comes under the category of "nature".

I lovde hearing the dawn chorus. Makes you feel really good inside at that time of day!!