It was a day spent at home doing a few household chores and a bit of gardening. The latter much to the delight of Benji and Ted, as it's been awhile since they have been in the back garden.
As expected there weren't many highlights, but of interest, the number of House Sparrows has now increased to 20+, which would explain why the feeders are being emptied out within a few days of being refilled.
And as I opened the conservatory door to let Benji and Ted out, the over-wintering Robin landed at my feet. What was great to see, was that it seemed totally unfased by me or the dogs and kept landing on the fence next to me. I think I might get a few live mealworms and see just how close he will get!!
Birds Recorded in and around the garden:
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
2 Collared Dove
1 Skylark
1 Meadow Pipit
Dunnock
1 Robin
1 Blackbird
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
20+ House Sparrow
2 Chaffinch
2 Goldfinch
A Dunnock under the feeders.
This is the over-wintering Robin and very confiding one at that.
And a few "notes" before dropping down onto the lawn.
A lone Goldfinch on the Nyjer Feeder
A six House Sparrows sat in a prickly bush
Also
Just after mid-night a Barn Owl was "calling/singing" from behind the Cottage
Caterpillars Recorded:
Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata) - Possibly
Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata) - Possibly
The closest I can get for a caterpillar in December is a Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata)