GR has given me an early birthday present. It’s a bird feeder with a built in camera – so exciting! As with anything techie, there have been teething problems. To start with, the camera needs a good wifi signal, so can’t be too far from the house. Also it needs to be well away from anything a squirrel can jump from. At first I installed the feeder on a pole and added a baffle, but …..
The squirrels were leaping from the top of a rose obelisk, grasping the washing line and swinging onto the bird feeder. I realised there was nowhere suitable in the garden to put the pole that would defeat the squirrels. So, my next tactic was to attach the feeder to a hanging basket bracket that’s on our house wall, but while I think I’ve foxed the squirrels …
Squirrels and magpies were not what I was hoping for – they are so greedy, there’s nothing left for the more petite birds! I have now ordered some side fences for the feeder to deter large birds – I want more of this kind of visitor.
Last week I returned from my Zumba class, in much need of a shower. I often linger at our ensuite bathroom window, because it provides a bird’s eye view of my garden, bits of Victoria’s and our neighbours on the other side. I did a double take when I spotted these two basking in the sunshine! They stayed for over half an hour.
I have been doing some gardening as well as watching wildlife. Mainly I’ve been clearing my front garden. It had been very neglected as there’s been so much to do in the back garden. Things had got out of hand, the cotoneaster was rampant and sticky weed had gone viral. However while I was working I noticed bees visiting every little yellow flower on a weed – I believe it’s known as wall lettuce. Then they went on to visit these pretty orange weeds – I think they’re commonly known as fox and cubs. I hadn’t the heart to pull them out, so I’ll wait until the flowers fade.
I was very excited to see that my pigmy water lily had managed to throw out a flower and it’s still there – in previous years the leaves and flowers have been demolished by tiny snails.
And finally, another photo opportunity came my way while we were walking along the canal to Brighouse with Little Bud – a beautiful grey heron. We watched him or her catch several fish which were swallowed down in one go.
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Rambling Rose 