It's dull, it's raining again and BBC Springwatch is over for another year. I particularly liked the brave Blue Tit mum who took on the Great Tit chicks (it gets confusing this nature lark). There was more violent scenes in this year's Springwatch than an episode of Peaky Blinders and that's saying something. The last chick standing took an age to haul itself out of the nest box
but I hope he or she is off having a wonderful new adventure now.
There has been a flurry of activity in my garden today with another brood of Sparrow fledglings, the first batch was on the 31st May. Amazingly spotted four fledgling Blackbirds scurrying around below the Rhododendron with Mum on hand to dish out the grub. The Robin chick was first to explore the big wide world on the 14th May but I didn't see the first baby Blue Tits until 12th June. So cute, great balls of fluff rather like a new yellow tennis ball.
It's important for them all to find their own food and there are plenty of insects around to eat but Mums and Dads need to eat as much as they can after all their hard work so I have given them a choice of mealworm suet block, peanuts and dried mealworms mixed with pastry. It was comical to watch a baby Blue Tit trying to grapple with a peanut on the feeder, pushing it round and around in circles.
At this time of year there are lots of chicks grubbing around, Robins and Blackbirds for example don't fly straight away but scuttle through the undergrowth so take care when mowing the lawn or strimming (if you have to). The RSPB advise not cutting hedges and trees between March and August as this is the main breeding season for nesting birds. (Article P. Adams 17/6/2016)
"Nice to feel the sun on my back"
It is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of
1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird
while it is in use or being built. It will be an intentional act, for
example, if you or your neighbour know there is an active nest in the
hedge and still cut the hedge, damaging or destroying the nest in the
process.
Countryside Hedgerows regulation and Management (The main nesting period: 1st March to 31st August)
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All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus (All rights reserved)
All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus (All rights reserved)
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