WHAT I SAW TODAY.....

[Placido]

Fair do's, Jacksparrow, that's a good haul

'Spect the others were putting the finishing touches to their outfits for tonight's New Year Paaaaarty

[nuthatch]

<-- look at this sturkling - it's come as a sheep

[Jacksparrow]

Not so much what I saw today but rather what I heard. It is not unusual for my local sparrows to gather in the ivy which hangs on the fence to the rear of the chateau. The gatherings are always a chance for them to chatter noisily to each other but today the volume was turned up to eleven and they were extremely noisy. After all the midnight fireworks I would have thought they would be tired and wanting a quiet day. Apparently not.

[Placido]

Maybe they've been rendered temporarily deaf owing to the fireworks ?
Que ??

[Willpar]

On my walk around the farmers fields today, what flew out of the hedge, a white pheasant no less. Have seen it before around a month or so ago. From what I have learned, white ones are not shot when a farmer has a shoot. Don't know how true that is though.

[Jacksparrow]

On my walk around the farmers fields today, what flew out of the hedge, a white pheasant no less. Have seen it before around a month or so ago. From what I have learned, white ones are not shot when a farmer has a shoot. Don't know how true that is though.

I think the sad truth is they don't usually survive to get shot as their many enemies find them an easy target.

[Placido]

What a sight that must be Any albino is always fascinating and, I always think, a little sad

[nuthatch]

Oh wow hope it lives a long and happy life.

Maybe it'll come to you for seed, Willpar the Pheasant Whisperer

[Willpar]

Had a WOW moment in my garden this morning, on the small plot. Was at the front door watching the starlings coming in for breakfast to the hawthorn tree. There were loads of them. Not had this many in several years. Then all of a sudden whoosh, all took off together. Then all of a sudden a sparrowhawk/kestrel lands in the rowan. Was transfixed looking at this magnificent bird. It then flew off. But I did notice one of my pied wagtails really crouched down on the ground, and very still. Lucky starlings and wagtail. Even the sparrows knew all is not right. I have a fatball feeder up against the hedge and they normally perch on top. Have noticed they are now inside the hedge and pop out for a quick feed and go back inside.

[Placido]

Moments like that are pure magic. A tiny glimpse of Mother Nature.
indeed, Willpar.