Pittswood Birds

It was much cooler today, and so more comfortable for an afternoon walk. I spent a couple of hours walking through the tree nursery, wet woods and lakeside scrub area, trying to find some of the more likely species to join the monthly list. The first to do so, was PHEASANT, I flushed up a pair in the tree nursery, this was quickly followed by a JAY, that flew through the wet woods.

At the lake, just CANADA GOOSE was on the water, and there was not much birdsong coming from the scrub area, I checked it out anyway, and was pleased to hear the CUCKOO call from close by, but I didn't see it. BULLFINCH was next for the monthly tally, when at least 4 were seen, and more heard, however the species I was really after only showed itself after quite some searching - the GARDEN WARBLER, it sang loud and clear eventually, and gave me a good view as well. Whilst sitting and listening, I saw a small movement in an Elder tree, some 20 yards away, I couldn't make out what it was, even with my bins. I crept up to the bush and found it to be a Bank Vole, munching on the flower heads!

Quite a productive afternoon in all, with 5 more new species for the month - 54 now, thats 13 behind the record May total, thats gonna take some beating I feel !

Back in the Garden Ive noticed the sunflower hearts are disappearing at some rate! A quick sit and watch showed why, Tits and Finch's are bringing in their fledged young (the first Juv. GOLDFINCH was seen today) hoards of the hungry blighters! Also the NUTHATCH'S are back after a months absence, and the GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS are more regular now. 50kg of hearts are now lasting less than two months!

Below is the Bank vole that was on the Elder.

This photo is of a fungi, I think it's called a stinkhorn. When I was taking the photo I couldn't help thinking of Greenie for some reason!