Well, that's about it for 2022! I usually try to make the first 'proper' post of the season a bit memorable but I fear this one will be memorable for all the wrong reasons. I doubt whether you will have seen any worse photography but it is all I've got so here goes. First off, a bit of background. Over the years I have seen 63 bird species in the garden which was always teeming with birds. Everything from Turtle Doves to Owls and a great deal more. That all changed over the last half dozen years when a neighbour moved in with 5 cats and they decimated the wildlife and a number of my pets. I decided that had to change and since it has, the birds are starting to return. I was really pleased to see both Blackcap and Brambling in the garden the other day - the first time for 5 years or so and the latest I have seen a Brambling here. Trouble is, I live in an old house and these shots were taken through the old heritage (wavy) glass (well, had to get my excuses in early). At least it is proof:
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The following day I decided to sit quietly outside with the camera hoping they might return. (They did, but not until I was back indoors!!). I was watching a couple of Robins pottering around - a pair I presume - when I saw what I originally thought was another Robin tumbling quickly down from the Oak trees and into the Hawthorn before flying back up. It all happened so quickly. I could see the orange/red colour but it was in 2 different areas. As they reached the Hawthorn they separated before flying back up - 2 tiny little birds, less than half the size of the Robins. One of them returned briefly but was spooked by a dog barking. I have Goldcrests in the garden very frequently and it definitely wasn't that. I do believe it was a pair of male Firecrests which I have never seen before. I was beyond excited even tho' I have yet to get a photo. I was out there again today. No firecrests but both male and female Blackcap and what I think is a Dunnock nest in the Honeysuckle.
Whilst watching the birds I have now also seen a Holly Blue, Comma, Large White (trapped in the rabbits' kennel), Male and female Brimstone, Peacock and Red Admiral:
One of the Orange Tip pupa remains remarkably green - the only one to survive on its stem. Reckon I shall have to glue the others back on:
Last but definitely not least my little cat Jaffa who really should have been called Shadow as she follows me wherever I go. Here she is checking out some herbs I have just planted for the rabbits before following me back indoors: