Just another day in Devon

As we approach the end of February the days are lengthening and the weather warms up a tiny bit. It's hard to believe that only 16 days or so we had icy conditions and snow. Breeding activity has definitely started in the garden. The Collared doves are always together and I have heard the male calling constantly. Frog Spawn almost fills the wildlife pond and today the Hen Blackbird has been collecting nesting material madly and building a nest in the adjoining Torbay Palm.

The Goldfinch above was investigating this down, perhaps to line a nest but more likely just practising as I watched it seemed to be pushing it in to a crevice on a branch next to the feeder.
The weather has been dull and overcast and I am confined to the comforts of my house due to a touch of "man-flu". But, like I have said before it is no hardship to be at home watching the garden because there is so much activity with the constant presence of Siskins, Goldfinch, Robin, Collared Doves, Dunnocks, Blue Tit and Great Tit. Who would have thought that the most numerous species in the garden at present is Siskin.

At least 8 different ones today.

The Blue Tit seen on my fat ball today was the one rung in the garden on January 15th, more than 5 weeks ago and obviously he is still around. I do not have a large population of Blue Tits in the garden and it is fascinating that we still have this one visiting us regularly. This flies in the face of previous information that suburban gardens are visited by up to 12 different individuals in any one day. This one obviously likes it here and is constantly returning as I have seen him 3 times since he was netted.*
*Legally by Dr Ian Stansfield a registered BTO "A" License holder.