The garden has been very quiet through most of the year, maybe due to us having to cut back on feeding following a nightmare 2008, 2009 and 2010. However things are picking up and the garden now sports nyger seed, biscuits, peanuts, mixed seed, fat balls, suet blocks and sunflower hearts. The birds are being very slow to return, possibly due to the mild winter so far, hopefully things will pick up soon, especially as Garden Birdwatch is fast approaching.
I'm also thinking of joining the year round BTO Garden Birdwatch for my Birthday which is also fast approaching, again!
One bird we have seen a lot of in 2011 is the Sparrowhawk, almost always in the same spot on the fence just outside the kitchen window. How I've not broken my neck sprinting for the camera numerous times I don't know. Yesterday I had just put the big lens on the camera so managed a few handheld shots through the window when he appeared once again.
I also had a dabble with video again yesterday which I tried at the beginning of last year but abandoned after being unable to find a decent free video editor. I've now found that the latest version of Picasa which I use for all my photo editing now edits video too. I'll be trying my hardest to remember that video button on the camera this year year.
So with the rain pouring down outside there's nothing more to do but snuggle up on the sofa and wish you all the best for 2012.
Paul & Debbie :-)
All the best to you and Debbie too, Paul. Hope there's something half decent on TV. ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you both! :-)
ReplyDeleteI do the BTO garden birdwatch paul, have done for the last 10 years :-)
Impressive Sprawk photo, just look at the talons on it!
That's a cracking shot of that beauty Paul.
ReplyDeleteAll the very best to you and Debbie, for the new year.
I'd be a bit shy to put an appearance in your garden if that sparrow hawk was lurking about looking for its first meal of the day. HNY
ReplyDeleteHi again Paul, wishing both you and Debbie a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping you'll very soon be enjoying the birds visiting your garden feeders once again. If you get a cold snap that will bring them in :-)
Nice pic of the hawk. Ah... but these visits do hinder birds at the feeders on milder days. We've got one (or more) swooping and hanging around here too. It hides behind plants though (sneaky) so no photo opps here just now. They are pretty impressive looking birds when you get close-up views like yours - yep thoses talons always catch my eye too.
Hello! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while ... it's me, Rebekah from Google+. Been out of touch there for a while, but now I'm going to take up both blogging and +.
Marvellous shot of the sparrow hawk! I haven't shot as much as I used to, for a while -- this must change.
Thanks for the lovely comments :-) Debbie spotted a female Sparrowhawk in the garden this morning so now I know we have at least 2 visiting. Going easy on the alcoholic refreshments again tonight, a decent day is forecast tomorrow :-)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful bird to see..
ReplyDeleteI use Youtubes video editer.
It is so easy to use and has options to add music etc..
Hi, just added you blog to my list after seeing you on Twitter :) I'm in Sheffield too and started doing the BTO GBW last year.
ReplyDeleteCracking capture Paul,i might give it a go,maybe adapt it for digiscoping.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year,hope you have fantastic footage in 2012.
john.
Happy New Year to you! Great shot...funny, we've completely, well almost completely converted to the "other names" over here, as in Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk), Osprey (Fish Hawk) and so on. Think the traditional system you're using is much better!
ReplyDeleteSo, just realized that I have a different name for the Merlin..Pigeon Hawk..than you do! oops!
ReplyDelete