karen's country calendar

Since yesterday I haven't noticed any activity in the front nest box but discovered it was another bluetit in the one on the garage.  This one has been extremely busy this morning. About 9am     12 noon

I happened to look out of my window this morning and spotted some birds on the feeders which I didn't immediately recognise.  Similar size to the goldfinch but colouring resembling a greenfinch but with black head,  I soon identified them as a pair of siskins - another tick for  my list!  Photos taken through window, hence not that clear.  Male siskin Female siskin   Also today I noticed a bluetit around the bird box to the front and then saw it pop in with a beakful of moss.  I quickly set up the camera monitor and saw there was already a layer covering the bottom of the box. Two weeks later than last year so hopefully may be more successful!    I also checked the  camera  in  the nest box on the garage and to my surprise noticed a couple of pieces of nesting  material on the floor of that so maybe we will have two nestcams to watch although I am not yet sure what bird is nesting in the garage box - watch this space!   Front nest box       Ga

The day promised to be one of blue skies and sunshine so at 9am we set off for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve of Lackford Lakes hoping for a good day of birdwatching and photographs.  An hour later we parked and entered the visitor centre where we bought coffee and cake and sitting by the window we were immediately rewarded by sightings of Redpolls at the feeders - First tick off the list!  The warden told use where we might see various birds and what the routes were like- we were glad we bought our wellies! We decided to make a quick stop off to some feeders down the lane where it was reported tree sparrows had been seen but sadly not today although we were delighted to see a pair of Bullfinches in the hedge beside which was another new one for the year. Walking along the path we soon came across a photographer baiting a fallen tree stump with seed - he assured us that within minutes the log would be alive with little birds.  However two fairly tame mallard ducks had ot