RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

The snow which started falling on December 19th finally disappeared last week along with the thick compacted ice underneath and we breathed a huge sigh of relief. We were able to get back to normality after 5 weeks of extreme weather conditions and actually drive our car into Inverness. Unfortunately we did wake up this morning to a white out blizzard and a new layer of snow everywhere...what a nice surprise! Luckily we ordered more peanuts, fat balls and bird seed in the week as delivery vans are now able to drive along the lane to our house once more. This food all arrived very promptly so all the birds have returned for nourishment in this new snowy period. The water in the bird bath has frozen over again due to a very chilly wind from the north making the temperatures feel like -5C. The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is this weekend so should have quite a few bird species to count over a one hour period in this weather.

Thaw beginning

After 4 weeks of extreme weather conditions - well below zero temperatures,blizzards,freezing fog,thick ice - the thaw has finally arrived. We have all suffered in some way but also there has been a great feeling of togetherness from friends and neighbours. Some of the scenes have been truly magical but it will be nice to get back to normal. Guests really enjoyed the White Christmas but alot of us had to cancel guests for the New Year due to very bad road conditions.
A prosperous 2010 to all.

Woodpecker rescue.....

We were enjoying a nice relaxed breakfast looking at all the birds gently feeding when the great spotted woodpecker descended on the suet ball hanging from the tree near the window. He is always a joy to watch as he is rather large and colourful and not seen very often due to his occasional fleeting visit. Suddenly the predatory sparrowhawk swooped from behind and surprised him and us. The woodpecker crashed into the window and the sparrowhawk flew off to seek another target.Luckily the woodpecker bounced off the glass and landed in the pile of softish snow head first. Quickly donning wellies and a coat I found the stunned bird and attempted to lift him out of the snowdrift. He ungratefully showed his thanks by squawking at me so loudly that I thought gloves would offer me more protection from his sharp long beak. I quickly carried him across to the safety of the bird table and even put the suet ball in reach in case he was hungry.Several birds attempted to land on the table but were quite amazed to find it occupied by a rather unusual species. He was really stunned and we were quite worried although we did see his head move now and again. He sat for a good hour before a big fat blackbird landed and caused him to come to his senses. We were very pleased to see him actually move up the strut of the bird table even though he did attempt to peck at the wooden structure. After a few minutes he flew across to the trees nearby and we breathed a sigh of relief...Woody Woodpecker lives to fight another day.