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Grand
Designs
Part
II
Freezing.
That's how March began. And if you missed that, you must have been
abroad! But the cold weather did result in some frenzied feeding
action in the garden and the completion of my first bird hide has
allowed me to get some of my best shots yet with my new camera (coming
soon). For anyone who hasn't looked a woodpecker or jay in the eye
from a range of just 6ft, can I suggest you try? They are truly
stunning birds but seldom seen at such close range. The warmer weather
seems to have turned the jays shy again but I'll be waiting in hope
for their return.
The
blue tits have been in and out of the hole in the wall most days
and old nesting material has been found beneath it, indicating that
spring-cleaning is in progress. The other holed boxes have been
receiving some attention but it is not yet clear if they will be
used. Being in the middle of the countryside probably means there
is a surplus of nesting spaces. The woodpecker box isn't receiving
too much attention, though both green and great spotted woodpeckers
are seen frequently in the wood. Finding their nest sites might
not be so easy given how shy these birds can be. Both the garden
and woods are buzzing with life. Goldfinches have visited several
times and a cuckoo has been heard. A flurry of nesting activity
is expected in the next few weeks so watch this space and in the
meantime, enjoy the photos! The map below outlines the rough lie
of the land with nest box positions and the other known nest sites.
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