Cyn's Nature Notes: Variety of birds bathing in icy weather

Monday 13 February 2012

Variety of birds bathing in icy weather

Watched a little wren down by the pond this morning, and then going into the lounge saw another one on the patio.

It is difficult keeping water in the bird baths, the weather is so cold that it freezes within ten minutes. This morning we emptied ice from the bird baths and refilled with fresh water, immediately two blackbirds flew down one bathed, while the other one waited. A clever little blue tit perched on the edge of the bird bath while the blackbirds were splashing and availed himself of a free shower. Nearby on the grass a little, brown headed female blackcap waited patiently for her turn, but as soon as the blackbirds went so a great tit flew straight into the water, followed swiftly by a blue tit and then the female blackcap also joined them. As soon as the great tit flew away his place was taken by the male blackcap.

This is the first time I have seen three different species in the bird bath at the same time. Next in the queue was a female chaffinch, who was followed by a greenfinch and for the next quarter of an hour a succession of small birds made use of the water, while it was still a liquid.

Birds need water not only for drinking, but also for bathing to keep their feathers in good condition.

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About this Blog

When we moved to our present home in December 1987, I was very ill and bedridden. My garden was a life-saver, although it was very different then. The first thing I did was to put up bird-feeders, and long hours were spent lying indoors in a recliner. This was when I discovered many things. Do you know the underside of every blue tit’s tail is differently marked? Gradually, over the years, the garden changed. We put in shrubs and plants that would not only enhance the garden, but would also be good for wildlife. The first rabbit we saw was so joyful for us. The deer eat the flowers, prune the apple trees, eat the marrow, and are wonderful to watch. Foxes have been a major part of our wildlife. We have fed them each night for more than 20 years. They are such a delight, especially in late summer and early autumn when there are youngsters. They behave like puppies and are great fun to watch.

I love all wildlife: the mason bees that nest in the brickwork of the bungalow, the hornets that last year made their home in the roof above our bedroom, the bees currently nesting in the roof above the bathroom. On a hot evening, if you stand quietly in the bathroom, you can hear this amazing sound: it is very rhythmic and reminds me of the waves at the seaside. It is made by the beating of the bees’ wings as they fan their nest to keep the temperature at the right level -- how many people have heard that sound? I feel so privileged.

Obviously, I feed the birds. When I open the window in the morning I call “Come on Bobby and Blackie”, and one followed swiftly by the other they fly immediately to the bird table. Each morning, on rising, I make my way to the kitchen and find the squirrels already sitting on the window ledge waiting to be fed. Winter brings the moorhens and spring time the mallards. Our pond is a poor effort from a human point of view, but wild creatures see it differently. On summer days, the grass snakes spend long hours in the pond: eating the fish, froglets, toadlings, newts, and any other living creature they can swallow. Although I hate to see the pond emptied this way, I do enjoy the snakes and feel they are an important part of the balance of nature in the garden. Watching a dragonfly nymph climbing out of the pond, up a plant stalk, and then over the next few hours gradually transforming into a beautiful dragonfly -- these are contented hours well spent.

It has been my pleasure to write and publish a nature column each month. I am always delighted to hear how much pleasure this brings to my readers. I have often been asked if I have written a book, so I am making more of my writings and photography available through this web site and blog.