Our Garden Birds

[grindle]

the robin didn't survive, this is the 3rd baby they have killed recently, 2 from the last clutch and this one, it was all quiet in the afternoon, so it looks as though they have now moved away

[Cherry]

There are very strict laws in Townsville and Magnetic Island about keeping cats, and I only saw one domestic cat on the whole of the island and none in Townsville. This is to protect wildlife.

[grindle]

it seems like a good idea Cherry, I know it's all part of nature, but they really are a pest around this time of year, we have far too many in this road and young birds don't stand much of a chance. Even one of the adult robins has it's tail feathers missing, no doubt a lucky escape at some time. They are forever raiding the pond of fish and picking up the frogs and slow worms as well, it's very sad

[peony]

May 13, 2015 9:50:21 GMT grindle said:

it seems like a good idea Cherry, I know it's all part of nature, but they really are a pest around this time of year, we have far too many in this road and young birds don't stand much of a chance. Even one of the adult robins has it's tail feathers missing, no doubt a lucky escape at some time. They are forever raiding the pond of fish and picking up the frogs and slow worms as well, it's very sad

I agree grindle, its the same round here, too many cats. I know they are the easy option pet for people who are out all day at work, but why they have to have 2 (or 3 as one neighbour has) when they are out all day, I cannot understand. I have one poor mother blackbird with her tail feathers missing who is trying to keep the fledglings fed and dodge the cats hiding in the shrubs. I wish we had a law here for one cat per household. I also dislike their nasty habit of leaving their poo in my garden for me to clear up

[Rosie]

May 13, 2015 9:50:21 GMT grindle said:

it seems like a good idea Cherry, I know it's all part of nature, but they really are a pest around this time of year, we have far too many in this road and young birds don't stand much of a chance. Even one of the adult robins has it's tail feathers missing, no doubt a lucky escape at some time. They are forever raiding the pond of fish and picking up the frogs and slow worms as well, it's very sad

That is one reason I'm not a cat person. last time Sooty, my neighbours cat was in the garden I turned the hose with the jet attachment on it. It didn't half glare at me as it ran away . If you have animals then you should be prepared to clean up after them. I love my neighbours dogs but the gate can't be left open as they come in and poop everywhere

[grindle]

I'm it total agreement, I don't think I've ever seen so many cats in one area here, as for dogs Rosie you should be able to leave your gate open without having to worry. We do get the odd roaming dog which has 'escaped' but not much of a problem, I made sure when we got Dylan that he was unable to get out of the garden

[Rosie]

Your a responsible owner grindle. Adrienne and Toms dogs are just gorgeous but they let them 'go' anywhere.

[grindle]

that's bad owners Rosie

[Rosie]

They are really, Gordon our other neighbour asks them to clean up after the dogs. Tom does occasionally but Adrienne never has. They are moving in July so hopefully it'll all stop.

[steve]

The baby robins are getting big now

[derekbrooks]

I have a pile of seed boxes behind my greenhouse but I can't use them. A robin has built a nest on top of them.

[Cherry]

Lovely to see. I hope you have seedboxes in another pile.

[joysie21]

I saw the blackbirds picking up dried twigs from my garden for their nests I was tying my clematis back the other day and one blackbird was making an awlful racket perhaps a cat or large bird was attacking his nest

it wasnt me was it she was frightened of

[Cherry]

joysie21 I think you are right about a cat. Blackbirds send out their warning call when a cat walks past. It doesn't even have to attack the nest. I don't think you disturbed it. They will know your habits and trust you.

[diggie]

Sitting in the garden enjoying the afternoon sun (and a nice cup of tea) a red kite appeared overhead. After a few minutes a second kite appeared and the two of them using the thermals to gain height were a joy to watch. I am rather hoping we have a nesting pair somewhere nearby.