Last year I didn't find time until the afternoon, and very few turned up. Mid to late morning is my aim this year, though the forecast is rainy here on both days at that time. What time is everyone else doing it?
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
I usually do mine while I listen to the Archers on a Sunday morning - that seems to be the best time - however there are always fewer birds on the day I do it than there were the week before and the week after - and if the wind doesn't drop it'll be too windy for them to land anywhere!!!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I have been videoing the bird feeders this week, to make sure the video camera is working properly before we go on holiday. There seems to be a definite three feeding times, with the biggest between 12 and 2. Then they seem to have an afternoon nap before tea and bed. The wind has been playing havoc with the landings.
Had all the usual suspects, plus a Brucie bonus of a solitary goldfinch and a flock of siskins. Only no show was woody the woodpecker ....I know he's out there somewhere (saw him yesterday).....but he's missed out on the census for 2016
We used to get siskins in the garden round the corner chicky - not seen one here at all.
The blackies were a thrill today - one at the apple when I went out with the food - and three more sitting in the shrubs next to the fence - all males! The two pairs were in as normal too. Think the cold snowy weather was a bonus today - all the usual suspects were in - even the goldcrest at the last moment
Only one missing was the wren but I only see her now and again anyway as they're in the hedges and corners by habit. I suppose you could add woody in that comment box....I should have done that with the wren too
Mine seem to have three visits too fidget. Eightish when I put new food out, lunchtime when I come home from work for mine, and then mid to late afternoon. I miss that one except on weekends - if I'm here.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You're right Fairy - the snow and cold brought them flocking out this morning. My hour turned into 40 minutes when a mini-blizzard sent them all packing. Sorry chicky but I had your woodpecker here. It's a female though, who has been a regular visitor for a few weeks now.
The only other 'uncommon' birds were yellowhammers, who also visit regularly. Plenty of wood pigeons, starlings etc. I'm a happy counter today.
Birds we used to see frequently were green finches but not a sight of them for a few years now. Not seen a Siskin either. Hope they're not in trouble and plenty of others have seen them.
All was quiet here,mind you it was very windy,noted G/Tits, Robins and Dunocks but that was all,no Pigeons,Thrushes,Magpies or even 'our' Blackbirds.
Did however spot a Sparrowhawk, in a tree in the field next door. Shame it didn't pick our tree
Might have another go tomorrow before I submit.We normally have lots of birds around as we back onto allotments which attracts them too, but all was quiet in there today as well.......perhaps they know we want to count them!!
None around today other than a disconsolate woodpigeon and a solitary bluetit - think they're all down on the marshes and in the oakwoods ... just as well I'm not counting until tomorrow
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
I have signed up and got my pack 2 free stickers and postcards looks good - lets see if the birds are about on the day I count
Last year I didn't find time until the afternoon, and very few turned up. Mid to late morning is my aim this year, though the forecast is rainy here on both days at that time. What time is everyone else doing it?
I usually do mine while I listen to the Archers on a Sunday morning - that seems to be the best time - however there are always fewer birds on the day I do it than there were the week before and the week after - and if the wind doesn't drop it'll be too windy for them to land anywhere!!!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I have been videoing the bird feeders this week, to make sure the video camera is working properly before we go on holiday. There seems to be a definite three feeding times, with the biggest between 12 and 2. Then they seem to have an afternoon nap before tea and bed. The wind has been playing havoc with the landings.
I'm all done
. Really enjoyed it
Had all the usual suspects, plus a Brucie bonus of a solitary goldfinch and a flock of siskins
. Only no show was woody the woodpecker ....I know he's out there somewhere (saw him yesterday).....but he's missed out on the census for 2016
Just submitted mine
We used to get siskins in the garden round the corner chicky - not seen one here at all.
The blackies were a thrill today - one at the apple when I went out with the food - and three more sitting in the shrubs next to the fence - all males! The two pairs were in as normal too. Think the cold snowy weather was a bonus today - all the usual suspects were in - even the goldcrest at the last moment
Only one missing was the wren but I only see her now and again anyway as they're in the hedges and corners by habit. I suppose you could add woody in that comment box....I should have done that with the wren too
Mine seem to have three visits too fidget. Eightish when I put new food out, lunchtime when I come home from work for mine, and then mid to late afternoon. I miss that one except on weekends - if I'm here.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You're right Fairy - the snow and cold brought them flocking out this morning
. My hour turned into 40 minutes when a mini-blizzard sent them all packing. Sorry chicky but I had your woodpecker here. It's a female though, who has been a regular visitor for a few weeks now.
The only other 'uncommon' birds were yellowhammers, who also visit regularly. Plenty of wood pigeons, starlings etc. I'm a happy counter today
.
Birds we used to see frequently were green finches but not a sight of them for a few years now. Not seen a Siskin either. Hope they're not in trouble and plenty of others have seen them.
Oh c'mon birdies, where are you?
All was quiet here,mind you it was very windy,noted G/Tits, Robins and Dunocks but that was all,no Pigeons,Thrushes,Magpies or even 'our' Blackbirds.
Did however spot a Sparrowhawk, in a tree in the field next door. Shame it didn't pick our tree
Might have another go tomorrow before I submit.We normally have lots of birds around as we back onto allotments which attracts them too, but all was quiet in there today as well.......perhaps they know we want to count them!!
None around today other than a disconsolate woodpigeon and a solitary bluetit - think they're all down on the marshes and in the oakwoods ... just as well I'm not counting until tomorrow
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.