Badget sett on the edge of my garden means lawn gets absolutely battered...
Wildlife in your Garden
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- Start date
Not garden related, but I'm not sure that there is a suitable thread 
After the crushing disappointment of yesterdays result, my Grandson and I went for a walk during the evening through each of the local woods. They are 'mixed' woods with both broadleaf trees and pines. As we were walking I noticed that there was a rock at the base of one of the pines that was absolutely covered in birdsh*t. I was staring up into the tree to see if there was perhaps a nest, when I got the surprise of my life.
About 15ft up the tree, large as life, and staring straight back at me was a Long Eared Owl.
I am 71 years old and have NEVER seen one of these birds in the wild before. . I don't think I have even ever heard reports of Long Eared Owls locally.
The pictures are terrible. The Owl is perched facing to the left, just his head has turned to look back.
Looks very strange in the pictures, but was actually perched facing to the left, with just his head turned looking back over his left wing.
The amount of muck at the base of the tree makes me think that this must be a regular roost, so I will hope to see it again in the future.
I also recovered an Owl pellet from below the tree, which contained at least two small bird skulls as well as other small bones.
It certainly cheered me up after yesterdays result.
After the crushing disappointment of yesterdays result, my Grandson and I went for a walk during the evening through each of the local woods. They are 'mixed' woods with both broadleaf trees and pines. As we were walking I noticed that there was a rock at the base of one of the pines that was absolutely covered in birdsh*t. I was staring up into the tree to see if there was perhaps a nest, when I got the surprise of my life.
About 15ft up the tree, large as life, and staring straight back at me was a Long Eared Owl.
I am 71 years old and have NEVER seen one of these birds in the wild before. . I don't think I have even ever heard reports of Long Eared Owls locally.
The pictures are terrible. The Owl is perched facing to the left, just his head has turned to look back.
Looks very strange in the pictures, but was actually perched facing to the left, with just his head turned looking back over his left wing.
The amount of muck at the base of the tree makes me think that this must be a regular roost, so I will hope to see it again in the future.
I also recovered an Owl pellet from below the tree, which contained at least two small bird skulls as well as other small bones.
It certainly cheered me up after yesterdays result.
Not garden related, but I'm not sure that there is a suitable thread
After the crushing disappointment of yesterdays result, my Grandson and I went for a walk during the evening through each of the local woods. They are 'mixed' woods with both broadleaf trees and pines. As we were walking I noticed that there was a rock at the base of one of the pines that was absolutely covered in birdsh*t. I was staring up into the tree to see if there was perhaps a nest, when I got the surprise of my life.
About 15ft up the tree, large as life, and staring straight back at me was a Long Eared Owl.
I am 71 years old and have NEVER seen one of these birds in the wild before. . I don't think I have even ever heard reports of Long Eared Owls locally.
The pictures are terrible. The Owl is perched facing to the left, just his head has turned to look back.
View attachment 351372
View attachment 351375
Looks very strange in the pictures, but was actually perched facing to the left, with just his head turned looking back over his left wing.
The amount of muck at the base of the tree makes me think that this must be a regular roost, so I will hope to see it again in the future.
I also recovered an Owl pellet from below the tree, which contained at least two small bird skulls as well as other small bones.
It certainly cheered me up after yesterdays result.
….majestic, Kev. Had to smile, inspecting bird poo took your mind off Everton.
Nowt wrong with the 2nd pic Kev. Its hard focusing through branches like that but you've done well there.Not garden related, but I'm not sure that there is a suitable thread
After the crushing disappointment of yesterdays result, my Grandson and I went for a walk during the evening through each of the local woods. They are 'mixed' woods with both broadleaf trees and pines. As we were walking I noticed that there was a rock at the base of one of the pines that was absolutely covered in birdsh*t. I was staring up into the tree to see if there was perhaps a nest, when I got the surprise of my life.
About 15ft up the tree, large as life, and staring straight back at me was a Long Eared Owl.
I am 71 years old and have NEVER seen one of these birds in the wild before. . I don't think I have even ever heard reports of Long Eared Owls locally.
The pictures are terrible. The Owl is perched facing to the left, just his head has turned to look back.
View attachment 351372
View attachment 351375
Looks very strange in the pictures, but was actually perched facing to the left, with just his head turned looking back over his left wing.
The amount of muck at the base of the tree makes me think that this must be a regular roost, so I will hope to see it again in the future.
I also recovered an Owl pellet from below the tree, which contained at least two small bird skulls as well as other small bones.
It certainly cheered me up after yesterdays result.
Great experience that.
Not garden related, but I'm not sure that there is a suitable thread
After the crushing disappointment of yesterdays result, my Grandson and I went for a walk during the evening through each of the local woods. They are 'mixed' woods with both broadleaf trees and pines. As we were walking I noticed that there was a rock at the base of one of the pines that was absolutely covered in birdsh*t. I was staring up into the tree to see if there was perhaps a nest, when I got the surprise of my life.
About 15ft up the tree, large as life, and staring straight back at me was a Long Eared Owl.
I am 71 years old and have NEVER seen one of these birds in the wild before. . I don't think I have even ever heard reports of Long Eared Owls locally.
The pictures are terrible. The Owl is perched facing to the left, just his head has turned to look back.
View attachment 351372
View attachment 351375
Looks very strange in the pictures, but was actually perched facing to the left, with just his head turned looking back over his left wing.
The amount of muck at the base of the tree makes me think that this must be a regular roost, so I will hope to see it again in the future.
I also recovered an Owl pellet from below the tree, which contained at least two small bird skulls as well as other small bones.
It certainly cheered me up after yesterdays result.
Where were you mate ?
They’re in the pine woods at Formby, but I’ve never ever seen one, as they’re so elusive !
I’ve heard them though. They make a sound like when you blow over the top of a milk bottle - if you go out when it’s dark with a milk bottle and blow on it, you can get them to call back to you !
They nest in an old crow / magpie / squirrel nest, so it could be the male was sat on guard if there was one in the tree above it ?
Wonderful sighting that
drey.
Alan Whittle
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Rare sighting of our hedgehog who came out during the daytime to raid the ferns for insects. He has had a pretty decent winter by the look of him.
Less than 1/2 mile from where I'm sat at the moment. Clock Face Country Park.Where were you mate ?
They’re in the pine woods at Formby, but I’ve never ever seen one, as they’re so elusive !
I’ve heard them though. They make a sound like when you blow over the top of a milk bottle - if you go out when it’s dark with a milk bottle and blow on it, you can get them to call back to you !
They nest in an old crow / magpie / squirrel nest, so it could be the male was sat on guard if there was one in the tree above it ?
Wonderful sighting that
(not sure I'll be going blowing milk bottles in the dark though)
I was amazed. As I said, I've never even heard reports of local sightings.
Surprised you're not here on 10 thMay @COYBL25
(Though the distance is a bit short for you)
Chris Lam Memorial 5 Miler
*EDIT - When did St.Helens get moved to Cheshire FFS?
(Though the distance is a bit short for you)
Chris Lam Memorial 5 Miler
Clock
The Chris Lam Memorial 5 Miler is a trail race held at Clock Face Country Park in Saint Helens, Cheshire. This event is a tribute to Chris Lam, a dedicated runner and campaigner. The race is known for its supportive atmosphere, with spectators lining the woodland paths to encourage runners throughout. The course is a multi-terrain route that includes sections through Maypole Wood and Griffin Wood, offering an immersive off-road experience. Runners will receive a medal, goody bag, and water at the finish, with prizes awarded to the top three male and female runners. The race is scheduled for 10th May 2026*EDIT - When did St.Helens get moved to Cheshire FFS?
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Surprised you're not here on 10 thMay @COYBL25
(Though the distance is a bit short for you)
Chris Lam Memorial 5 Miler
Clock
The Chris Lam Memorial 5 Miler is a trail race held at Clock Face Country Park in Saint Helens, Cheshire. This event is a tribute to Chris Lam, a dedicated runner and campaigner. The race is known for its supportive atmosphere, with spectators lining the woodland paths to encourage runners throughout. The course is a multi-terrain route that includes sections through Maypole Wood and Griffin Wood, offering an immersive off-road experience. Runners will receive a medal, goody bag, and water at the finish, with prizes awarded to the top three male and female runners. The race is scheduled for 10th May 2026
*EDIT - When did St.Helens get moved to Cheshire FFS?
Been running this morning in Ironbridge, Shropshire mate.
There`s that many runs on at the moment, it`s difficult knowing which one to choose !
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Blackbirds fledged a couple of days ago, not sure how many there were. I fished one dead from the pond this morning (probably lived no more than a few hours after fledging)The blue tit I assume to be sat on eggs now. She's spending most of the time in the nestbox and coming out for very short periods only (like 60 seconds or so every couple of hours) Have also seen the male occasionally going in with food for her and flying straight back out.
The blackbird eggs must have hatched already as the female is making frequent trips with a beakful of worms and insects, as is the male although less frequently.
Sadder news on the Robin nest, which appears to have been abandoned. I am still seeing Robins in the garden but none have visited the site of the nest for about a week now. I assume they have built an alternative elsewhere (or maybe one has died
There are at least another two chicks still in the garden.They are quite mobile now and capable of fluttering to the top of the fence, so I would expect them to be gone by tomorrow.
I expect the Blue Tit chicks will fledge in the next week or so. Hopefully they all avoid the pond (and the dog)
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Blackbirds fledged a couple of days ago, not sure how many there were. I fished one dead from the pond this morning (probably lived no more than a few hours after fledging)
There are at least another two chicks still in the garden.They are quite mobile now and capable of fluttering to the top of the fence, so I would expect them to be gone by tomorrow.
I expect the Blue Tit chicks will fledge in the next week or so. Hopefully they all avoid the pond (and the dog)
View attachment 351755
View attachment 351756
It`s no wonder so many of them die within days of hatching, they`re absolute dopes, with zero awareness of danger !