No-Tail's Youngster

I am sorry to report that the pigeon taken by the sparrowhawk was indeed No-Tails youngster. Despite keeping a look out daily I have only seen No-Tail, except for one occasion when looking out of the window I saw a young pigeon on the lawn, thinking it was No-Tails youngster I stood up and moved to the window, as I did so I noticed No-Tail and two other fully grown pigeons nearby.

For a brief instant I was pleased for No-Tail to have some company, as I felt he must be missing his youngster. My feeling was fleeting though as my movement had frightened this new pair and their offspring, and all three took instantly to their wings and were off in a flash, leaving No-Tail once more alone.

The End of No-Tails Youngster?

No-Tail back in the garden again today, but on his own. I have a a horrible feeling that the pigeon taken yesterday by the sparrowhawk was his offspring, as for months now I have only ever seen No-Tail together with his youngster.

Time will tell.

Unusual Co-operation Between Jays and Magpies

WOW!!! Amazing sight this afternoon. A pigeon was leisurely flying along the middle side lawn about three feet up. when a sparrowhawk spotted him and suddenly swooped down on him. They flew the length of the middle lawn with their bodies interlocked, they briefly landed on the lawn before taking off again and flying through the arch on to the top lawn, where I lost sight of them.

As this was happening two jays and six magpies flew along above them, screeching loudly. Although I was unable to see the pigeon and sparrowhawk, I knew they were still there as the eight aforementioned birds were still flying back and forth and making a fearful noise.

I chose to stay indoors and to not disturb the happening because from bitter experience I have learned that the poor preyed upon bird always dies. Even if you are outside when it happens and you scare away the sparrowhawk, shock sets in and very quickly kills the poor creature. Another point to think about is that the sparrowhawk will carry on hunting and yet another creature will lose its life.

Although I did not like what happened, I was spellbound at the speed and hunting techniques of the sparrowhawk. It was also astonishing the speed with which the jays and magpies came, there were there in an instant, and I found it interesting how the jays and magpies worked together, as the magpies don't tolerate the jays in the garden usually.

Return of No-Tail

Pleased to see the return of No-Tail the pigeon and his offspring feeding together on the lawn today. They have been sporadic visitors to the garden since mid-July. I hope we will see more of them from now on.

Went across the road today to collect some of natures jewels, they were beautiful shiny, wonderfully self marked conkers, the seed of the horse-chestnut tree. The road was covered in crushed conkers and I thought of years ago when I used to collect them for my siblings, make a hole through them with a skewer and then thread string though. Those long years ago most children played conkers and it was sometimes hard to find any, as they had already been collected. I shall keep mine for a few weeks to admire them, then I will put them outside for the squirrels to find. Conkers are inedible, unlike the seed of the sweet chestnut tree, these are delicious and can be eaten raw, roasted or used in many recipes, including Christmas stuffing. Do make sure you are using the right type of chestnut if you are going to eat them.

The hops are turning dark brown and the bright red haws on the hawthorn are already being eaten by the wildlife. Sloes have disappeared completely, they were devoured very rapidly this year.