Country File

[Heedless Horseman]

Was surprised to see a Hedgehog stuffing itself last night, after 'cold snap'. So, if feeding, keep on for a while?

[Techno II]

I'd think so, Keith.

I believe they need to go into hibernation weighing something around a kilo.

Long, long time since I've kept baby hedgehogs alive through a winter, then released then in the Spring.

Cheers - Phil.

[Orcs]

Sadly I have not seen a hedgehog in our garden for about 7 years. We do have a badger family across the road, so I expect that is why.

[Steve J]

I just built a bug hotel, which has been on my list to do for sometime. Tomorrow I'll begin to stock it with twigs, leaves, hollow stems etc. It's right next to me dedge, so hopefully will continue to add to the good biodiversity in the garden. Next up somehow I need to find space for a bigger pond...

[Heedless Horseman]

'Bug Box' Has been on my 'to do' list for years!
Have just bought some as Xmas prezzies!
Ta for reminder! 

[Steve J]

You're welcome . I'm looking forward to seeing if the solitary and mason bees use the holes I've drilled in old wood to make their nests or not. A neighbour has an old dead tree and she's  for me to put holes in this too.

[Heedless Horseman]

Probably too late for this year... but if a concrete or pottery Planter gets broke, instead of skip, why not emplace any 'sizeable' chunks in shady corners as 'Bunkers' for Frogs or Toads?
Some soft weed/ grass clippings inside to burrow into... and maybe partially bury to taste, leaving entrance gap.
Piled rocks / broken flags, etc. also good.
You may not have a pond yourself... but there may be one nearby.
Numbers declining... but,who would not be cheered by having a little chat to a Frog?   

[FierceKitty]

A Kiwi, I suspect.

[paulr]

They're not too bad so long as they don't get close to a rainbow

[Heedless Horseman]

And Again! Yet another Mouse has inconsiderately discarded his Trousers and other 'bits' at MY back door! Damn good job we have a Cat to curtail many such atrocious 'goings on' in MY Garden! Cat appeared most apologetic for this lapse in picket duties... but needed his supper dish...asap.

[Steve J]

A lot more bird song of late as territories are being established etc. Also  our nest boxes are being checked out by Robins and Blue Tits .

[Techno II]

Certainly a huge amount of chattering from the area just outside the back door, when I go out and fill the feeders each morning.
It's almost as though I'm being ticked off for making them wait. Cheek !!

At the mo'....Thirty or forty starlings come down and pig themselves before the smaller birds get a look in......They seem to being joined by a dozen or so rooks.

Saw a buzzard for the first time for ages. 

Cheers - Phil.

[Heedless Horseman]

Pretty sure Foxes lie up and wait for evening food bowls to be put out... though they don't immediately pile in... movement noise in bushes out the back.
Starlings... very few about now.  Used to he a horde... but their roosting tree down the road was cut down a few years ago... and, even though many alternatives, they just seem to have done off.
Not many 'big' birds, this last year... just one or two Magpies. Jackdaws and the Old Crow... absent.
Small birds giving nut/seed feeders/ coconuts the hammer... and Hedgehog Poo in the feed bowl!

[Steve J]

Magpies, Jackdaws, Crows and Rooks much in evidence around here. We have a small murmuration of Starlings, which is slowly increasing after there roost was cut down maybe 10 years ago. Lots of tress have been cut down in nearby gardens of late, so I expect we'll see fewer birds next year .

[Steve J]

I saw a butterfly on a walk this afternoon, but sadly it flew by too quickly to get a good look. Really surprised to see one on the wing, given it was very dull and somewhat cool.