Christmas doesn’t last too long at our house. We both like to get back into a normal routine. For me that’s birding and in fact I went out early yesterday to top up the feeding station near Oakenclough in readiness for a ringing session soon.
Our ringing site is quite remote and theoretically private. Scrooge must live nearby as here almost in the middle of nowhere, on or just before Christmas Day, he stole three bird feeders. Four other feeders were left untouched so held the usual array of finches albeit in reduced numbers. I topped the remaining feeders up and then chucked seed on the ground so hopefully the birds will be able to find their usual ration. Back home and online I ordered a couple of new feeders which should arrive Monday and in time for the next top up day. Andy is getting a couple more feeders plus making laminated notices advising Scrooge to leave the feeders alone.
Goldfinch
Today I set off early for Pilling where as usual I found a Kestrel atop telegraph pole along Head Dyke Lane. Not far away was the usual Barn Owl which once again did its now customary trick of heading indoors. It looks like Barn Owls are finding food at the moment and so have no need to spend too many daylight hours hunting.
At Damside was the resident Kestrel pair watching over the now very wet fields. We’ve had a lot of rain recently with the result that on these few fields were approximately 900 Pink-footed Geese, 290 Curlew, 200+ Lapwing, 160 Redshank, 45 Golden Plover and 120 Starlings. I spent some time grilling the geese but couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary amongst the multitude of pink-feet. That’s my Christmas story and I’m sticking to it.
Pink-footed Geese
Pink-footed Geese
I checked out Fluke Hall to find a calling Nuthatch and a singing Song Thrush, both drowned out by the sound of gunfire from a shoot in progress across the fields behind. Along the marsh and on the inland fields: 1 Kestrel, 52 Whooper Swan, 35+ Shelduck, 2 Little Egret, 48 Redshank, 125+ Lapwing and 80+ Wood Pigeon.
In the maize stubble were a couple of Reed Buntings and 11 Skylarks searching through the vehicle tracks where the shooters carry in sacks of food for their tame mallards.
I guess I’d best join in the Season of Goodwill, so here’s a message from my Christmas Robin to Scrooge. "Enjoy your bird feeders you miserable sod!"
Robin
Back soon with more bird news on Another Bird Blog.
Linking today to Anni's Blog. Anni would rather be birding too.
Linking today to Anni's Blog. Anni would rather be birding too.
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19 comments:
Geez, it's hard to believe that someone would steal bird feeders. I guess there is no accounting for the low lifes of the world.
Wow, who would steal a feeder?
sad they were stolen!
This is the first I have heard of someone stealing a bird feeder...very sad. Love your photos, Phil, and this is the first time I have ever seen pink footed geese. Here in Montreal I see Canada geese, a couple of Chinese geese, but never pink footed. :)
That is pretty nasty! In New Mexico I had one stolen by a bear. It was wooden and chewed to bits. My neighbor had a peanut feeder and hummingbird feeder destroyed by one. At least they were driven by hunger, a worthy motive.
Wow- what a doodie head..who steals bird feeders? Crazy! Love all of your shots- especially the goldfinch- great pose!
Feeders taken by a tight-wad, no doubt. If they can't afford the feeders, how in hell are they going to afford the bird food. Make sure yours is under lock and key!
Great birds and crazy to steel a feeder.
Unbelievable!!! That is such a shame. Thieves are everywhere. And thing is, the feeders are NOT all that expensive...why when you compare the cost of gas/petro to get there to steal 'em...why bother?
Now you got me P O'd. Just today I had a confrontation with a couple of men/young men...but still old enough to know better. The sign at the reserve...large enough to see from the parking lot...it states NO PETS beyond this point. What do they do? Bring their hunting dogs in and walking along the trail, dogs barking and howling...upsetting the waterfowl.
Alas. People.
Yep, me too Phil. When Christmas if over, it's over. The very next day I'm packing things away and getting life back to 'normal'.
Love the finch...it's looking right at you/your lens. How awesome is that?
Thanks for sharing your link today at I'd Rather B Birdin'.
There are all kinds of people in this wonderful world that we live in. I guess sometimes people do things just because they can. Lovely images as usual, Phil.
What a jerk! You need a sign that says "You are under camera surveillance" even if it isn't true. That should scare them off! Great photos!
That'sad someone took off with those bird feeders. A couple of mine have been stolen but we have racoons around here and they steal anything with food in it. I loved all your bird photos. The English robin is always a favorite of mine but the Goldfinch is a pretty one too. I also have never seen a pink footed goose before.
Who on earth would steal a bird feeder?
I can't believe someone would steal the feeders. I love the little robin.
Ho ho. Grant and I were out birding in the bush two hours after the communal Christmas lunch around the pool, with friends. Love the Goldfinch. Greetings Jo
Hi PHil, first the birds and photos are beautiful. Great sightings.. So sorry about the stolen feeders.. People can be very strange and mean.. Happy Birding!
What wonderful images you provided for me to enjoy with my morning coffee!
Very nice report except for that theft thing. We shall be hoping for birding Karma to visit the perpetrator.
I'd love to see that many Lapwings and Redshanks in one spot!
We hope you survive the rest of this year safe from the hunting and pilfering crowd!
"Miserable sod"...I love this and had to check out others who have used the term, as it was new for me. A "Polite Notice" was written at a restaurant. It basically declared...They "Suggest while people wait on their food, to take a walk, feed the seagulls, watch the ocean waves, sit and relax, etc. Adding "Please remember to chill" and then shows their web address... www.dontbesuchamiserablesod.com
Really, what a clod to remove those feeders. At the very least, you would hope that it was someone who will use them to feed their own birds and not use for target practice. Beautiful birding shots. Happy New Year
Beautiful images, love your goldfinch. It's so different than those I see.
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