Wednesday 29th February 2012

Temp' today at 14c mid afternoon, just right for working in the garden.
Spent a couple of hours this morning with my Old Chums at Lavers. Good to see them all again and to enjoy a cuppa from the Klix Machine!
During the afternoon connected lighting to the garden shed, this saves me now relying on my head lamp!
Made a start on the Fruit and Veg cage made from Stainless Steel Tubes that were once used for a Shop Display and were being skipped. Topped with Rubber Connectors. Have the horizontal tubes to cut and fit into place, this for another day.

Tuesday 28th February 2012

A much cooler day, max' temp 13c.

Bit of a lazy day - Nigel and Lyn came over for morning coffee, always good to see them. We exchange garden news! Lyn brought over 4 Tommy Plants, sadly I had nothing to give as only sowed the seeds last weekend. Have promised some Chilli plants when ready.
Blackbirds madly in Love now, busy pairing most of the day!
Good to see a Reed Bunting on the Feeder, almost a year to the date. Spotted last year on 3rd March.

Photograph is of Mini Daffodils and a Crimson Hellibore.

Monday 27th February 2012

Lack of Sun meant a cooler day, max temp this afternoon was 13.
Spent day working in the Front Garden constructing a Wheely Bin Screen. Also edged the Drive, plan is to infill with Bark and planting two or three Shrubs.
Did spot a Jay at lunchtime, pleased about that as was getting worried.
Picture 1 - Framework for Wheely Screen.
     "     2 - Job complete.

Sunday 26th February 2012

 After an overnight Frost it was another warm sunny day reaching a high of 17.6.
Shopped at Henry Street Garden Centre this morning for spring flowering Polyanthus, on special offer at 10 for £9.99p. Also a spot of impulse buying, two mugs painted with Garden Birds. Bought a Wren and Goldfinch. Will prob' end up buying the full range!
Blackbird still busy building, amount of twigs being taken it has got to be a two story proberty!
Did not check Trail Camera for results, hoping for a result as Foxy was still out at 1am this morning scratching about under the bird feeders.

Picture 1 - Building Material - nesting in Lelandi Tree.
     "     2 - Mummy has arrived to help!

Saturday 25th February 2012

Another glorious day with max temp' reaching again 18 mid afternoon.
Day started with an early meet with Boyo hoping to photograph a Little Owl. No picture but did see the Owl for a couple of minutes. Lucky to see a Green Woodpecker at very close quarters, closest I have ever seen one, beautiful colouring.
Sadly morning was spoilt by a Mallard on it's back on the opposite side of the road obviously injured. Was not safe to stop so hoping another motorist was able to complete the kill. Harsh, but clearly the Duck could not be saved.
Rest of day spent in Garden, connected camera to the Woodpecker Nest Box so hope now the box is used! Despite me working on the box, Woody carried on eating nuts only a matter of 2mtrs away.
Trail Camera picked out a Fox last night, at 7pm tonight I was watching the pair playing on the lawn so hopefully more picts' tomorrow.
Still no sign of the Jays, I am getting worried now. Perhaps the Neighbs have a better quality nut than mine?!
Daffodils out today, never known this early. On the way to Bracknell this morning couldn't help but notice the bank of Daffs in full bloom just as you exit the A329M.
Picture 1 - Foxy on back lawn.
      "    2 - Woody on the Robinia Tree.
      "    3 - Fixing camera to inside of Woody Nest Box.
      "    4 - Daffodils in wild area at the end of the garden behind the greenhouse.

Friday 24th February 2012

Another glorious day, again temp' reached a high of 18 mid afternoon. Sun is bringing out the bugs and insects, lost count on the number of Ladybirds I saw both inside and outside.
Correction - the Hoverfly I referred to yesterday was in fact a Honeybee. Thanks Boyo for that. Today on the same plant was a Bumblebee, sadly a terrible photograph.
Blackbird has started building a nest big time. Has this year decided on the Lelandi Tree after years in the Ivy Hedge. He has also taken a liking for Chips. No other Bird is interested in the leftover Chips I throw out every Friday.
No sign of the Jays again, three days now. If not spotted over the weekend I will start to worry.

Went into Town this morning to buy a number of picture frames. I am going to start framing some of my better photographs.
The camera and leads I ordered for the Woodpecker Nest Box arrived today so that will be my weekend job.

Picture 1 - Blackbird and Chips!
     "     2 - Bumblebee on Hellibore (apologies for such a terrible photograph).

Thursday 23rd February 2012

A beautiful day, temp' reached a max of 18 mid afternoon. Could have been Summer!
Blackbird today was collecting twigs, a little early I think for a nest, will be keeping an eye on this.
Still no sign of the Jays but the pair of Woodpeckers returned and were very busy all day.
Good to see the Blackcap, not seen since last sighting on 19th January last year.
The White Winter Hellibore was out in all it's glory with what I think were Hoverflies busy collecting pollen. The Winter Hellibore on the face of it looks boring as white flowers hang down (as do all Hellibore flowers) but the edge of each flower is coloured red, beautiful.
Afternoon busy sowing seeds - Chilli, Nasturmsham, Petunia, Buzzie Lizzie, Poppy, Marigold, Cucumber, Sweet Pea, Geranium, Salvia and a Purple Wild Flower. All seed collected from last year, nothing bought.
Cleared Pond of unwanted weed, plenty of insects, Water Boatman etc, all were 'put' back. No sign of Frogs, will not be long before they are spotted. Boyo was on his second evening saving hibernated Toads/Frogs back to their breeding pond.
Picture 1 - Hover Fly on Winter Hellibore.
     "     2 - Black Cap on Feeder.
     "     3 - Blue Crocus in Alphine Border.
     "     4 - Fresh Sown Seeds in Greenhouse.

Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Mild, breezy with the odd shower. Pretty miserable day!
Job to believe this after all the activity of the last few weeks but did not see a Jay or Woodpecker today. The handful of Monkey Nuts I placed on their table was still there tonight. Strange?
Trail Camera picked out a Fox last night but sadly only it's tail. Have re-set hoping for better results next time.
Snowdrops making a show now but need a few more before I can open for the public!!
Council this morning planted 1 No Tree on the Green opposite, unsure what the tree is or why just one. Will have a recky tomorrow, hoping there is a label showing details. Looks like a Christmas Tree.
Picture 1 - Snowdrops.
     "     2 - Mouse on back lawn - see profile picture.
      "    3 & 4 - Dove keeping watch on the Peanut Feeder!

Monday 20th / Tuesday 21st February 2012

Yesterday was pretty cold all day. Had Mum over for the day so sadly nothing to report! Mum is High Maintainance at Best! At 93 I have to to make allowances and am just happy she can still manage on her own and enjoys her monthly visits to 479.
Today was a glorious day. Day spent completely clearing up after 2months decorating. Did notice how busy the pairs os Robins, Jays, Woodpecker, Blackbird and Doves were. Robins always put a smile on my face with their dancing! One pair missing today was the Wren.
Fixed up the second Swift Nesting Box on the side of the house. Also stuck a few Jay Feathers to my Walking Hat, courtisy of Boyo.

Pictures 1 & 2 - Additional Jay Feathers to Walking Hat.
       "     3        - Camillia in full bud, will be a picture in the next few days.

Sunday 19th February 2012

Overnight Frost leaving a very Sunny day. Day sadly spent indoors, winter decorating now complete. That is the Hall, Stairs, Landing, Downstairs W/C and Cupboard under stairs all decorated and updated now, this should last now for at least ten years?
Did notice during one of my tea breaks the Heron taking more Fish from the Pond. Not sure I have any left now. Something I have to accept with a Wildlife Garden.

Saturday 18th February 2012

Mixed weather bag today. Mild day with showers this afternoon. At times also a little breezy.
Day spent with D & A completing the Hen Palace (HenLay on Loddon), mostly erecting a clear plastic roof. This giving the Hens weather protection and of course warmth. The Palace is 3mtr square at 1.8mtr in height. I have enjoyed getting my hands involved with this project, with a soft spot for the Hens it just added to my genuine excitement.
Pictures 2 & 3 were in fact taken last August when I was Hen sitting, just thought they added to the general atmosphere?!
I look forward now to putting forward my ideas for D & A's garden, this is not interfering, will be my personal observation.

Foxes were about again last night but sadly I appear to have 'corrupted' the camera chip. Will have to re-format.

Neil, my neighbour has just rung me to say a Deer has just walked in front of him as he was cycling home from work. Now that is close! We did however have a Muntjac for two days in the garden last year.

Friday 17th February 2012

Very mild (almost warm) day. Top temp' 15.
Day spent at Dinton Pastures with Family, good to see Bethany after her recent operation, our thoughts are with you Beth for your forthcoming operation, your my favourite!LOL xx.
Pictures taken at DP, Geese pictures look somewhat confusing!

Last night at 11.30pm watched two Foxes playing on lawn, set trail camera but sadly I did not format chip so nothing to show. Will try again tonight.

Wednesday 15th / Thursday 16th February 2012

Two very mild days. Today particularly good as there was a fair amount of Sun.
Day yesterday spent constructing a Hen enclosure for Doug (Boyo) & Anna. (constructed for the Hens not D & A!!). Looks good, just a roof required to complete the job. Hens will love this new area with fresh ground with loads of juicy worms! Was good to see the Girls again.
Good day today catching up with Garden Birdlife. With the Sun today it was just like a good Spring day. Birds playing and singing. Fish appeared after the Heron scared them recently. Caught up with the Bug Boxes, full of hibernating Spiders.
In the garden the Crocus and Snowdrops were out in full.
Pictures today of Woody and Goldfinches enjoying breakfast.

Tuesday 14th February 2012

Much warmer with bright spells, back to Spring again!
Spent day in London, ticket for a 'behind the scene tour' of the Royal Albert Hall. Stunning building with so much history. Most surprising was how basic the Royal Box and Retiring rooms were. Reminded me of the Royal Y Brittania, the Royal Quarters there were very basic.
Bet the Garden Birds missed me today!?
Picture 1 - Entrance to RAH from Hyde Park.
    "      2 - Auditorium.
    "      3 - Royal Chairs in Royal Box.
    "      4 - Outside Entertainment.

Monday 13th February 2012

Against the last few days the weather today was very mild. Slight shower early evening.
Foxy was in a Barking mood last night, no sign of him during the day so unsure where in the garden he is hiding at the moment. Did find a squeeky dog bone in the wild area of the garden so have set the Trail Camera in that area.
Pictures today are of a Robin and Blue Tit enjoying a Fat Ball, Greenfinches enjoying some Sunflower Hearts and the Jay looking for buried Acorns.

Sunday 12th February 2012

By jove what a cold day! -7 overnight reaching a high of 3 during the day.
Pictures 1-7 were taken at 7.30am this morning when walking the tow path of the River Kennet between Fobney and Southcote Locks. Note the Cormorant on the Kingfisher Post, also one swimming near the frozen Southcote Lock.
The Wren was also taken this morning at 9am on a Flower Pot outside the Garden Room. Spent some time pecking away at insects. There is a pair as prev' mentioned so hopefully will have a further brood this year.

This week I will be building Boyo & Anna a large run for the Hens, timber I delivered this morning. Good to see the clearance of overgrown Shrubs and Trees in their garden, I look forward now to the regeneration of the garden over the coming year. I have my own idea on what would be a good design for the garden given the problems of a 'swampy' garden. Will be discussing with them both over the coming week!

Saturday 11th February 2012

Very cold, frosty, sunny day. Temp' -11 overnight. Highest during the day was 5.
These pictures taken at 8.30am this morning through a rather iced up Garden Room Door.
Doug confirmed the Bird I was unsure about yesterday was in fact a Chaffinch.
Spent all day in workshop so not much to report. Out tonight celebrating Neil and Sarah's engagement. Eating (and drinking!) at the New Inn.

Friday 10th February 2012

Cold, bright day. Snow shower overnight, pictures taken at 8.30am this morning.
The last picture I am unsure about, think it is a Female Greenfinch. Not a good picture I appreciate but should point out the top of the bird was of a pale green colour.
Despite the cold I notice a Mouse is coming out at night for a nibble of a fat ball. Have set up the Trail Camera tonight hoping for a picture. I am asking a lot but nothing lost.
Spent most of the day decorating hence not so much to report today.