Birds to the right and birds to the left; birds behind and birds at the front.
Birds in the attic–our hawks are back, preparing the nest for youngsters.
So many birds–hurrying, hurrying, this way and that, mostly in search of food.
Meredith keeps the bird table full and the window sills stocked with sunflower seeds and crushed madeleines.
When a cat starts paying attention at the back of the house, the flock of finches, tits, robins, wagtails, nuthatches and sparrows switch to the front and continue teasing our well-fed four-leggers.
I spied a cheeky red squirrel who’d got wind there were “pickin’s for all”, braving the courtyard and rummaging under window in the growing pile of sunflower seed husks.
There are occasional casualties. Not surprisingly–we have five cats.
“Gifts” are left in a regular spot in the courtyard.
This morning’s offering–a pitch black mole.
We have never seen so many finches–all sorts.
A charm of goldfinches
A new variety this year–the HAWFINCH–is not so charming.
A large beaked bruiser twice the size of the goldfinch and three times the delicate little green finch–my favorite.
These giants of the finch family see off smaller cousins and fight among themselves, creating a flutter of finches just above the table or windowsill as approaching birds are forced to hover and engage before finding space to land.
It has been a difficult winter for birds–for us too.
Dank, damp and cold.
“We haven’t eaten outside as much this winter,” Meredith said yesterday, as the guests arrived for Easter lunch.
The first of April and too cold even to have a drink in the courtyard; but the leafing out is happening and there’s a buzzing of bees in the box elder…
There’s always one! Box elder’s fine but who could resist a freshly opened Tulip.
Spring never fails to bring a thrill of anticipation–the metaphor begins.
First of all, renewal…
Robin Ellis 
Hi Robin and Meredith, Your bird feeder is very attractive and unique, but how do you keep the squirrels out? I have tried everything I know even purchasing a feeder guaranteed to keep out squirrels. It didn’t! I have now moved and I am starting over with feeders so any advice you have would be welcome. I was married on 12/30/17 with a name change: I am now Sandy Buchanan. Happy Spring!
Congratulations, Sandy!
Meredith writing here: Congratulations, Sandy. How wonderful!
We have red squirrels here and we love them–I worry the cats will get them! I remember growing up in Northfield the grey squirrels would empty the bird feeder–but that’s not a problem here.
A local artist/blacksmith made the feeder and her idea was to have it look a bit like a birdcage–but one that birds can freely fly into and out!
Thanks for this, you seem to be having the same horrid weather as we have had. Lovely to see your very well looked after birdies!!
Had to chuckle at pickin’s for all……. where have I heard that before cap’tn Poldark???
Um..!
Something about bird-watching (preferably through a window and with a cup of coffee in hand) makes the heart sing.
Lucky you to have so many lovelies. I’ve never seen a hawfinch, but I look forward to photos of the fledgling hawks…. Thanks so much for the “share”
It has been cold here also in Central Ohio Tomorrow, though, even though it’s supposed to be very rainy, a high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Really enjoyed seeing the photos of the birds
And here, we’re told that the “decayed” cyclone moving off the coast is winding up again and is expected to cross the coast tomorrow. A repeat of a year ago.
Enjoy your Spring birds.
Robin,these photos are an absolutely wonderful day after Easter,welcome to Spring!
Am so fond of those adorable finches–and! also the petite moles,who made territory out of our front yard while ,after devastating the plants,would race all over our feet in their version of friendly apology.
Isn’t Nature the best gift?
Absolutely.
I really enjoyed seeing so many birds fighting over their breakfast on your bird table Robin. Sadly here in Bath (UK) I seem only able to attract magpies and jackdaws to the bird feeders (?) – would love to have some of your amazing finches. Really enjoy reading your posts
& hope the Rev’ Halse continues to appear in Poldark – although it has taken quite a while to get used to not seeing you as Ross !
Too kind, David, thank you.
Well.a real cheer up robin. Especially since the flu has grabbed this family although on the mend now
What a beautiful garden and such a myriad of colour
Thanks for cheering us up x
We have bird table envy in the Dordogne!
Do you shell your sunflower seeds for the goldfinches?
Just spotted black woodpecker ‘ enormous!
Love
Peter and Susie xx
Bonjour, Dordogne!
No we don’t shell the sunflower seeds–the birds here are good at it. Needs must–they say.
Woodpecker envy though!
Love from R and M
We have had a great many more birds in our garden the past few months ,more than before .I believe someone forgot to tell Easter it was time to visit……we had rain and lots of it an almost flooding river here in Guildford ,so bad the Guildford Lions had to cancel thier easter fayre ,first time in more than 20 years . My son up north had snow so no egg hunt.but we have lots of beautiful birds …always a compensation.
Delightful account and wonderful photos, as always.
Here in Santa Fe a mourning dove couple have made a nest under the eaves on the west porch, so there’ll be no work on that side of the house til the young take flight. So exciting!
Nancy,
Santa Fe, NM
Wonderful post, and beautiful pictures.
These are almost pets, of sorts.
Reminds me, also, of Pagnol’s beautiful pastoral passage,
poor little shepardess Manon, harvesting little birds, a very old tradition there.
All the best
Crushed Madeleines? What a hoot!
My husband feeds the birds outside our living room window which includes the squirrels. The birds and squirrels have learned to get along, but just partaking at separate times. Of course the birds don’t cry out as much since our grey tiger died. How she loved to stir up the neighborhood. But our rescue daschund Peanut keeps the squirrels running when she spots them outside. They scamper immediately once she is on the prowl. We’re safe once again! Spring is declared here in Central New York but still very cool.
Lovely.