Disappearing Squirrels

We have had quite a few noteworthy events during the past two months, the first was when we were checking the drains and on lifting an inspection cover found a tablespoon-sized toad quite happily sitting there. He was relocated to the pond area. Another which stands out but this time for its comparative value was while clearing the undergrowth from an apple tree we found an enormous toad, darkly brown and lumpy we stopped clearing and went to sit by the pond there we were delighted to see an eft he was so tiny but perfect he had such delicate little hands and arms and was such a contrast to the old toad, but we were quite charmed by them both.

Thrushes have managed to rear a brood successfully there are so many predators in the garden to steal their eggs or young -- jays, magpies, crows and squirrels spring to mind, this morning I looked out of the end kitchen window and saw blue and great tits, 3 wrens, a chaffinch, pigeons, blackbirds, thrushes, a white throat and a flock of long-tailed tits. Pheasants continue to visit, but the creatures who have consistently afforded us the most pleasure and amusement are the grey squirrels, sadly I now have to report we have none. A few weeks ago we were enjoying both the adults and their young, we fed them as usual in the morning and although it seemed a little odd when we didn't see them the rest of the day we weren't unduly worried, but the next day none appeared which set alarm bells ringing, the day wore on and still none came and the same every following day. I am mystified. I have no answer. I can only wonder. One missing squirrel I could think, maybe a passing car, fox, cat or even a bird of prey, but all of them -- could they have succumbed to an infectious disease.

Butterflies have been in colourful abundance this spring and summer and the garden has hummed to the tune of hundreds of bees of many types -- and now a few wasps are appearing. We arrived home one evening to find a huge swarm of angry hornets buzzing around the outside light, we used the back entrance and turned off the light, the swarm dispersed and thankfully although we've seen the odd one or two, we haven't seen a worrying number. Hornets are not naturally aggressive, I read, however their size is enough to make me shudder! The fruit trees are heavy with their welcome crop, which as yet although unripe is being eaten in situ by the tits and blackbirds. Hips and haws hang heavy this year as do the elderberries, reminding us that golden autumn is on its way with its shorter days and misty mornings.