More new beginnings in the garden

The garden is a hive of activity, there are new babies appearing almost everyday, most of them are Starlings. However we have some new faces as well.

A very loud Thrush calling for a parent to come and find him/her.

The youngster had come into the garden to eat some suet and had not realise that the parent bird had left without them.

A very small baby Sparrow, we don't seem to have many of these yet this year.

However if the Sparrow Hawk visit a couple of days ago becomes a regular event, we might not. The hawk swooped into the garden and took a Male Sparrow from the fence to the ground. The hawk plucked the sparrow, then flew away with the carcass, no doubt to feed some hungry chicks somewhere. Tony took a video of most of this, if you want to see it you can go to his flickr site

https://www.flickr.com/photos/shutbug/

We have new baby squirrels, very small baby squirrels.

This one is very shy and will not come down to the garden alone, Mrs Squirrel is always somewhere close by.

She was watching from the wall at the end of the garden hidden in the ivy today.

She did find time to help herself to some hazelnuts from the sink.

Before jumping up into the tree where she could keep a closer eye on her baby and awatch for any cats coming.

The Blue Tits have been busy flying in and out for food but still no sign of any family.

Same with the Coal Tits plenty of activity but no little ones to be seen.

Mr Blackbird is taking it easy. I think they are between broods. The first ones have gone and the second have not arrived yet.

He is having fun while he can, he even looked like he was dancing today. That wont last long when the next eggs hatch he will be busy again.

The first born of the Starlings are all old enough to see to themselves now. There are squabbles and fights breaking out all over the garden.

The next brood has begun to appear though so there is still the eternal shout of the baby starling demanding food from the ever patient parent.

I found this plant growing in the garden behind the bird table. I thought it looked quite nice, so I decided I would try and find out what it is.

I am begining to wish I had not bothered. I found a website that showed a picture that I am almost sure is the same plant.

Lilac Oxalis  (O.Incarnata)

 It says it is a pest. That it should be removed or it will take over the garden. I will keep my eye on it for the time being and see what happens. I think it is pretty. So I will do a bit more research before I do anything drastic. Of course if anybody knows anything about the plant please do let me know.

Until the next time...