An hour in the garden.

Friday 9th June 2023.

Our local House Sparrows enjoying the food we put out for them.

I spent a nice relaxing hour with my wife late yesterday afternoon, just chilling in the back garden while watching the local birdlife going about their business. The weather was warm with a slight breeze blowing through the garden and having put out some old biscuits and also some Panettone that was left over from Christmas, the birds had a nice feast, which attracted a few youngsters too.

Above, a Goldfinch sharing the feeder with a Great Tit. Below, an expectant juvenile Great Tit waiting to be fed by the adult.

As well as the local House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Starlings and even a few Wood Pigeons came down for a feast and nearby, on the sunflower hearts, a pair of Goldfinches came in for a feed on them along with an adult and juvenile Great Tit. Overhead, several Swifts sailed over the rooftops, with a lot of ‘screaming’ going on and the good news is that the nestboxes most definitely have youngsters within them. I hope to grab a few photos when they start poking their heads out of the nest hole.

Above, both a juvenile Starling and a Wood Pigeon enjoying afternoon tea! Below, a Holly Blue on my neighbours tree.

Always keeping an eye on the wildlife, several Holly Blue butterflies were still on the wing as I managed to grab a distant one resting on a large leaf on our neighbour's tree. Butterflies are a little scarce of late and after watching last night's Springwatch, it seems both Butterflies and Moths were very much down in numbers so far this year. While watching the birds, a Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) flew up and nearly landed on Becky and then settled on one of my water feeders instead. Another moth, a Small Dusty Wave, was flushed when I watering the back garden, which was a new moth for the year. Both June and July can be a quiet time for Birders and many turn to both Insects and Plants, whereas I shall be going for all of them.

Above, a Mint Moth settled close to where my wife was sitting and below, a juvenile House Sparrow waiting to be fed.

I read that the adult Night Heron was seen going into roost last night at Fishlake Meadows, but in general, a rather quiet day all round in Hampshire.

Hampshire birder, Emma Parkes, kindly allowed me to put some of her superb photos, which were taken at Martin Down. on my blog. From top to bottom: male Yellowhammer, Skylark and a Corn Bunting.