Monday 5 January 2009

Males in the garden (100th post!)

First of all, apologies for the lack of posts recently, I've had the dreaded lurgy since just after Christmas and am finally feeling a bit better. This is my 100th post, my first ever posting was on the 19th of January 2008 so I guess that means I've averaged a post once every 3.65 days (almost) (-:
Not as good as some and better than others! As I haven't been able to get out at all so far in 2009 I thought I'd post some birds that I've been able to photograph from the warmth of my house.
This male Blackcap starred in a recent post. He's looking pretty plump on a diet of suet, apples and cheese!This very alert male House Sparrow (or Sprog as we call them) is sitting in the same Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) as the Blackcap. I think he's keeping an eye on our new kitten Poppy.The male Blackbirds are already full of testosterone it seems. I've had up to five in the garden all chasing eachother. I think this is one of those that has had to sit on the sidelines to wait his turn at the raisins, apples, cheese and suet!So far my year list is a measly 20 species! I've never had such a poor start to the year. I hope to rectify that in the next few weeks though! (-:

10 comments:

Shelley said...

Enjoyed your birdy photos today - that sparrow craning his neck make me smile1

Eve said...

Yes that sparrow was a funny one Jenny! I really like your blackbird too, a bit different and eye and bill color.
Happy 100th! I'm looking forward to many more...hope you got some pictures of your snow!!

Jenny said...

Hi Shelley, glad you enjoyed 'our' garden birds. That sprog was a funny fellow! (-:

Hi Evie, you know I didn't think of taking a piccy of our massive amount of snow 1/4 of an inch is significant for us! (-: I'll do better next time, whenever that might be!

Mary said...

Congrats on 100 posts! We eagerly await the next 100. I think "Sprog" sounds better as a name...makes them more interesting. I've never seen one stretch quite like that :-) He's really got his eye on something. Look out Poppy. I like that blackbird with its bright yellow bill. Glad you are feeling better and hope you can get out soon.

Quiet Paths said...

Glad to hear you are kicking the cold and such. Here's to feeling better! Love that black cap. Strawberry tree... now that is a new one for me. I want one. But, I don't think it would survive our climate. Contrats on the milestone.

Quiet Paths said...

Umm, sorry - Congrats ~ is what I meant. Sheesh.

Jenny said...

Thanks Mary, I actually got out today (Tues) so will hope to post some pics this evening. That Sprog was comical! (-:

Hi Christine, I believe (tho I am probably wrong) that the Strawberry Tree comes from Canada, so it might be up to your climate. I'll do more research. They're fabulous trees as the flowers linger into December and are great for late butterflies like the Red Admiral. Then the berries are loved by the birds. Also being evergreen it is great shelter too.
Have I done a good advertising job on it??? (-:

Eve said...

So Jenny...where does Sprog come from?
Sparrow hog?
Sparrow Frog?
Spread poop round our garden???
Do let us know!!!
;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen,
Glad to hear you are getting better. Congrats on the 100. I am sure with your tetrads and other expeditions you will improve on your list. Looking forward to seeing the results. (great Blackcap)

Quiet Paths said...

Thanks, Jenny for the info. I am going to keep my eyes peeled for it in some catalog. We are more temperate here than in the eastern part of the state. It sounds wonderful.