Birds on the plots

Check out the birds after we had mowed the plots. We are thrilled that we have provided food all winter for them and you can sense that spring is coming now. The birds were singing away this morning and love is in the air - check out the next post.

Birds on wild bird mixes

We wanted to post these pictures because we were so excited at how successful the mixes were at feeding the birds in the bad weather when they were most in need. We are amateur photographers so you will have to bear with the quality .. it is definitely not Springwatch standard but we have recorded the moment. It was minus 2 degrees and just check out the number of birds - do bear with it for the first ten to fifteen seconds, we think they were finches, flying over the bird seed plots.

When we were standing very still they all came down to feed, but would then fly off in a cloud again as you can see in the video.

Bird walk

We had a great bird walk on the farm this weekend. Twenty five people came for a 6.30 start and we saw and/or heard 32 different species of birds! A great start to the day with a good breakfast and we raised some money too for the parish church.

Chicks are hatching!

We found some empty eggs on the ground in the wood - evidence that this years chicks are hatching!

Promoting wetland birds

I had the chance to visit a farm in Herefordshire where they are seeking to promote wetland birds by creating a series of wet areas and scrapes. this will promote the insects that the birds feed on encouraging them to nest and bring up their young. Interesting project!

Bird walk and talk

2We are holding a “Bird Walk and Talk” at Hill Farm, Castle Frome on Saturday 16th May 2009. Meet at 6.15 am for a 6.30 start. The guided farm walk will take around 60 - 90 minutes and involve some uphill stretches. Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for the weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Tickets: Adults £5.00 and Children £2.50 to include Breakfast rolls and tea or coffee. Further details: contact Louise Manning on 01531 640821. Proceeds in aid of St Michael and All Angels Church, Castle Frome

H5N1 found in the UK again

H5N1 has been found in three dead mute swans near Weymouth, Dorset. A sobering time for poultry growers. Follow the link for more details.

Travel Companion

Whilst walking on the University Campus I was joined by a travel companion who had the most distinctive call - almost sounding like a jay - but blue! Stayed with me for a while along the way!

Birds flying south!

The house martins, swallows and swifts are starting to line up on the wires betwen the telegraph poles. Seems early, but a sure sign that they are planning to fly south soon. They are all on the wing catching insects so that they have enough energy for their journey and I am sure in a week or so they will be gone. Shows that the seasons are changing!