Garden birds in South Yorkshire

[Jean Farmer]

Probably now waiting for the first early frost. Has anyone noticed that the robin is singing its autumn song ?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Jean Farmer

Probably now waiting for the first early frost. Has anyone noticed that the robin is singing its autumn song ?

Yes, my garden Robins are becoming more conspicuous again- hearing them sing + "ticking".

[carrie scott]

Hi there everyone,
Thanks for all the replies; I love the comparison between teenagers and birds, haha.
I have noticed the robin for the past two days actually. And as for the rain........ unfortunately I am one of those who actually like it, I know I'm strange, as if we haven't had enough, don't get me wrong I feel deeply for all those who suffer as a result, but I can't think of anything better than sitting in my conservatory reaping the rewards of my hard work in the garden, with a cup of coffee and a book.
Until recently, I must confess, I haven't really taken that much notice of our wildlife, my life revolved around work. I was a director of a boat building company, which we had to close down at the end of August, the credit crunch hit us hard, like a lot of people, unfortunately. So I have now decided that I am going to join the employed so that I can do my job and enjoy a more stress free life, and the free pleasures we have given to us that a lot of us just ignore or take for granted. Don't get me wrong I am going to miss taking time off when I want and a nice salary, but that is not everything, I will NOT miss the responsibility I had!!

[Jean Farmer]

Have just had a look at the bird table.There is 1 blue tit, 1 great tit, a pair of collar doves and 3 sparrows feeding on the ground. Has anyone noticed a change in the number of sparrows and starlings in the last few years ? Years ago I had loads of both, then they disappeared. 2 years ago I had the first 2 house sparrows back also a couple of starlings.By last autumn the sparrows had increased to 15. This year the sparrows and starlings have nested in the house roof, keeping the resident bats company !
This is the first year I have seen any jackdaws locally.There have been 11 clamouring to get on the bird table.2 years ago there there were about 16 greenfinches, but this year I,ve only seen the occasional one feeding.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

maybe its because lots of farmers are encouraged nowadays to farm in a method that is beneficial to wildlife. Maybe the increased stubble in fields is providing food. Or it could be a good year for caterpillars and midges after all the rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain and rain we've had.

What stubble fields
The farmers here plough them as soon as they are harvested...

All I have on my bird table today is one slug with a death-wish.

[diggleken]

Kayleigh is right - song birds tend to moult/renew feathers after the main breeding season and keep quiet for a few weeks in summer (whats that?) but then, often starting with robins bursting into song again, since about 2 weeks ago - I always think the robins trill at this time of year is very autumnal, but lovely at the same time. Also of course a fabulous time for us birders - migration both ways starts from september and continues through october and then in november our more northerly and arctic visitors seeking the UK out cos its nice and warm then for them too!