Nature

[IceMaiden]

That's a great close up of a squirrel BB!

There's a regular squirrel visitor in my garden and I've always fed it, putting out bread, nuts and cereal for it which the birds also like. Today however something has changed my mind on this being a good idea. I'd put food out this morning and as usual all the little birds showed up, followed by the squirrel, followed by a big black crow ( though I try and discourage these). Just before lunchtime a movement caught my eye and I looked out of the window to see a large rat running in the garden, obviously after the leftovers. Uuurgh. I stood watching it for a few minutes contemplating how to frighten it off and stopping it coming back when out of nowhere a black and white cat shot past the shed, pounced on it and ran off! I've never seen a cat move so fast! It must have spotted it in my garden and saw it's chance. I don't like seeing things killed especially in front of me but I am rather relieved that it has been as at least it can't go back and encourage more here. From now on I'm only putting seed or nuts in the bird feeders, nothing anywhere else. Nature can be annoying sometimes the way one thing attracts another!

[Boatbuilder]

Thanks, Ice Maiden.

That was quite a chain of events today. It's such a shame that the rat showed up and spoilt the day. I have known squirrels to obtain food from bird-feeders, depending on where they have been hung, so maybe it will still return.

[IceMaiden]

The squirrel has definitely not been put off as it was back in the garden today, hanging upside down on the bird feeder! I actually love squirrels and have no problem with them. Rats are a different matter, especially when they're really big as this particular one was. The cat must have taken it with it as I couldn't spot it thankfully!

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

I had a wonderful encounter this morning at about 10.00 with a Firecrest, which is jointly Britain's smallest bird.

It was flitting in and out of a laurel hedge, and at times was within my reach. At times it seemed to hover like a humming bird.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/firecrest

[Katharine]

Wow, what a colourful little bird. I don't think I've ever heard of one before, and think I'd remember if I'd seen one.

Nice and bright on a dingy day like today.

[IceMaiden]

I've never heard of one of those before but I can see how it gets it's name! It would certainly stand out in the garden.

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

Of course the crest is only erected when displaying - not for the like of me!

[Anita Bensoussane]

That's lovely, Viv!

[Boatbuilder]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I guess a mouse falls into the 'nature' category, so I suppose it will be OK here. I just love it. Brilliant!!!

Mouse filmed tidying up man's shed every night

[Bertie]

That's great, Boatbuilder.

Though Ginge and Beauty wish I'd never seen it as I've told them I now expect the same from them.

[Boatbuilder]

Strangely enough, I thought about your them in your shed when I posted it, Bertie and was thinking along those lines as well.

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

If there is a gene for "tidiness" that mouse obviously has it, whilst I missed out...

My flat looks distinctly lived in at the moment

[Courtenay]

So does mine, Viv, so does mine. I possibly need to get hold of a few good mice to clean it up...

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

The Firecrests are moving around my village - they were even in the small tree outside my window when I woke up last week!

[Anita Bensoussane]

How lovely to wake up and see firecrests!

I often see swans and grey wagtails from my bedroom window, and sometimes water voles or a heron.

John (Boatbuilder), I like the story of the mouse tidying up in the shed. It reminds me of Beatrix Potter's The Tailor of Gloucester!