I must say that although I like to hear a cuckoo calling, I am glad that the one round here seems to be passing through and not staying. I don't find their nesting habits very pleasant.
i am finding it difficult to understand how a few little birds can eat so many dried mealworms
one and a half feeder fulls since first light, probably 2 more by darkfall
perhaps it was wise to go industrial rather than "pet shop" , 10 kg of dry worms is about 40 litres, it cost £5 a kilo rather than small amounts that range from £10 to £20(put a cute graphic on a small bag etc) a kilo
it is not like 48 chooks(micronized peas anyone? would you like a ton of cheap wheat with that, madam? )
for "very free range" they did like rations
this lot like rations, or wages as they think of it as they do have to amuse me
ps mixed seed is usually 20 kg bags
copdock mill usually have decent quality and value for money seed mixes, delivered
"pet shop "prices are silly for seed based feeds, some good old style petshops will sell at almost wholesale prices, but most physical retail outlets have overpriced and tiny packs
with wild birds there are interventions that seem to need doing,
giving a major food supply to breeding colonies of borderline endangered spp seems a reasonable forlorn hope
baked goods are rather popular and so are meaty snacks but the basics of mixed seeds and dried worms removes the feeding problem from the try to survive problems of everyday life and "odd weather"
Think mixed flocks are quite common. In the winter we often see mixed flocks or admittedly small birds, but alarm calls are generally taken up by all species.
Had a young robin round the back of the house yesterday. An adult showed up and seemed to be telling it to find its own territory, but it came back. Breast starting to colour, but not very red yet.
We think the bluetits in the kiln might have fledged. We will look again tomorrow and check. If so, we block the holes and discourage any others so we can use the kiln.