Post edited 9:59 pm – December 25, 2009 by SipsiCymreig

Just like Rooster I also enjoy the varied wildlife in my back garden, today I have watched Blackbirds they love Tesco natural muesli with California raisins(bought separately) and Wilkinson's Dried Meal worms all mixed together,must have been 12-14 at a time. I've also watched Goldfinch sunflower hearts are a must to attract these,Blue tits,Great tits,coal tits,Willow tits as for the tit family the highlight was a flock of Long-tailed tits on and around the fat balls,Robins,Dunnock,Chaffinch,Thrush,Collard dove and Wood pigeon,all from the comfort of my ever faithful armchair.I've also got four Grey Squirrel that will eat anything including bird feeders if I don't put them out their own nuts bought especially for them under orders from Mrs.Sipsi,Hazel nuts,Wall nuts,Pea nuts,believe me the wildlife is better fed than me at times but the pleasure they bring is far more reward.

Last year I put up a new nest box for Blue tits and within days a pair built in it and reared a full clutch.This year if time allows I intend to put up a few more,now is a good time to do this as it gives the boxes time to naturalise and gives the birds time to get used to them,they will also use them to roost in on these cold nights as many as 10 at a time.These boxes don't have to be made by a cabinet maker the instructions and dimensions can be found on the R.S.P.B. web site,and believe me if I can make them anybody can,I only have to look at a piece of wood and it splits.

Also please if you do feed the wildlife remember the water as this is particularly hard to find when every where is frozen.Half a barrel with a small pump to keep the water moving and so not freezing with a convenient platform near the water level is ideal and in summer may attract insects which the birds will also feed on.

If any one else enjoys the varied wildlife in their gardens please put it on here as any tips are always gladly received.