Chaffinch

The first Chaffinch of 2008 came to the garden and ate a little seed from a table.
Apparently one of our most common birds I have only seen about a handful in gardens locally.

Magpies and Crows

Back to the gloomy grey skies today.
The conflicting pair of Magpies and pair of Crows have begun their annual competition for control of the nest site at the top of the garden Hawthorn tree. As soon as one pair has taken up residence the competitor will come in and evict them or make such a fuss that they force the opponent to leave.
This will go on all day and probably for the next few weeks until both end up giving up and stalemate is achieved.

A bright day between the gloom

For one day only the clouds part, the wind calms and the sun shines although with a little less enthusiasm by afternoon.
In the garden Blue Tits and Great Tits hop around the feeding area grabbing a seed or two and take it to a safe place for consumption.
They are vocal now, the first time I have heard them this year. Their familiar squeeks and chirps are a sure sign spring is coming.
A small Moth fluttered into the garden, paused on the warm woodwork of the shed and then continued it's journey.

Squirrel nuts

If you want a Squirrel proof nut feeder, don't bother with the plastic type.
This one was no obstacle to the resident Mr Nutkin

Weather

Shoreham Weather:0900 8/1/2008
Met Office

Temp:9.1 ° C
Wind:SSW 14 mph
Gust:0
Visibility:N/A
Pressure:1015 hPa
Tendency:Falling

Peanuts

The old wire constructed peanut bird feeder has broken and I went and bought a couple of cheap plastic mesh nut feeders.
There has been little activity on them so far, it will take a little while until the birds accept them.

Stonechat

A single Stonechat spotted on the top branches of the Hawthorn tree