Garden Birds ~ Nuthatch

The nuthatch is an occasional visitor and has become more common since the arrival of the bird table. They are very timid.

In the Hawthorn checking out the bird table

With a peanut

Garden Birds ~ Blackbird

The Blackbirds are frequent visitors though the male seems easier to catch on photographs than the female.

Sitting on the lower Witch Hazel branches

After some food now....

Garden Birds ~ Bluetit

Of course the bluetits are an absolute favourite and they nest in our nest box every year.

Just outside the conservatory window ~ aren't they pretty!

Peeping out from the box

Checking out the landing post

On the Ceanothus checking out the flight path

On the bird table

Garden Birds ~ Robin

Of course there are always favourites and Robin is one of them..... I think we have a pair here as I'm sure I see a slim one and a fluffy one.

Garden Birds ~ Sparrow

We used to have sparrows nesting in our roof but had to block the holes they'd made but they still come to visit! They can get a drink...........

or something to eat.

Garden Birds ~ Pigeon

We have Pigeons in our garden and they usually try to nest in our Bay Tree

Here is a Pigeon in the Hawthorn Tree next to the Bay Tree

Here is a Pigeon standing guard over the bird table

March ~ Mistletoe seeding!

I am trying to set some Mistletoe seeds to grow on various fruit trees in the garden. Mostly on a small Bramley Apple and a Medlar tree but I've tried a couple on a small Victoria Plum tree too. I have covered them in little loops of masking tape to try to stop the birds from thinking I've scattered breakfast in interesting places for them!!

Barbara Hepworth-esque

A Sculpture given to me for my birthday by my granddaughters; it represents the three of them.

Garden Birds ~ Chaffinch

Two Chaffinches or more regularly visit but rarely go to the bird table; they prefer the seeds on the ground

Chaffinch

March & Spring is sprunging!

First signs of Spring

Bay Tree with flower buds

Pieres

Pieres flower buds

Crocuses & Snowdrops

Filbert nut catkins

Filbert nut catkins

The Year So Far ~ Winter Flowers

We have quite a good selection of plants chosen especially for their winter colour or perfume.

Hellibore
~ Bought for me by a friend a couple of years ago ~

Bodnantense Dawn
~ with Bluetit checking on flight path to the nesting box ~

Witch Hazel ~ Diane ~ Red Flowers

Chimonanthus about 7 years old and flowering well now.
The perfume is wonderful
Bought at Hillier's in Romsey after a visit to their winter garden

Snowdrops ~ my personal favourite

Daphne ~
This was flattened by the snow but has come up smelling of.... well Daphne!
The perfume wafts down the length of the garden
Another purchase from Hillier's in Romsey