Daydream fund challenge part 4

ukmaggie45

We're OK, touch wood. Our son in law is shopping for us once a week - I think he's glad of the chance of a drive over from The Wirral to get some peace and quiet - the GrandTwins can be a bit Full On! 

Building work continues on our next door neighbours extension (the other half of our semi-detached, so it's a bit  noisy some of the time), but will prob stop at end of this week as they can't get the materials. They have 2 smallish children, and he's working from home, so it can't be much fun living in a half finished house. Can't get windows, and not sure if they will be able to finish the roof anytime soon. The timbers are up, but if they can't get tiles that's going to be a problem. I really feel for them.

Our tulips are putting on a wonderful display this year. OH has been bringing a bunch in every few days for me to enjoy. The flowers are absolutely MASSIVE! Never seen such huge tulips before. They've really been cheering me up. And I've been watching the birds as best I can from bed. Have a couple of sightings of goldfinches most days, this morning one of them was carrying a beak full of fluff. Have to keep the blinds drawn most of the day though, it just gets too hot in here with the solar gain!

OH is weeding the garden to try and clear enough space to put some potatoes. Don't want to have them all at the lottie in case it gets shut down. He's started off some broad beans (still to emerge!) in pots, and also sown cavalo nero seed too. 

Just seen 4 geese fly over. 

Davesnave

We have a pair of goldfinches that have built a nest in a standard bay tree out front; it's not even 2' across!

We'll be netting the bottom of it today, because the cats already know.

RAS

maggie
When I was in the Lofoten Islands, the locals planted a broad bean between every other potato plant. I assume this helped the tats and maximised crops. Their allotments were amazing, radiating from a central fire place.

Dave, burger about the rain, yes it is a long term pattern, we get very dry springs after sodden winters which ain't good and doubles the workload.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

The first Mason Bees were out this morning. That cheered me up, as they always come just before the weed patch explodes into masses of white blossom.

Davesnave

Jojo_the_Tightfisted said:

The first Mason Bees were out this morning.

Do they wear aprons and give each other funny hand-shakes.....when they're not social distancing, that is?

On 9th April, a memorable date in our family, we look out for the first swallow. We were disappointed yesterday, but two have shown themselves today.

Gold finches have been protected, as have the first butterfly-susceptible greens in the polytunnel. Cabbage whites have been sighted. Suddenly, everything is going mad as spring springs, including two pheasants fighting over ownership of our garden.

Inconsiderate birds wouldn't stay in the frame properly, ruining my chance in Wildlife Photographer of the Year,

greenbee

Fabulous photo Dave!

Davesnave

greenbee said:

Fabulous photo Dave!

Thanks. It came out better than expected, considering I shot it through the glass in the back door and cropped it heavily!

The 'cabbage white' butterflies I saw are male and female orange tips.... according to DW..

Here is the ridiculously small bay tree the goldfinches are nesting in:

And the nest with 3 eggs. The female doesn't sit all the time, so we nipped out and grabbed this shot while she was off for her daily jaunt. Then it's back to self-isolating...

RAS

They really do need your help if they are to have any hope of raising young!

Re the orange tips, haven't seen any this year. A friend asked me about a pale yellow butterfly she saw in her garden. Even without  seeing it, I'm pretty sure it will be a Brimstone, which I have seen in previous years. Just it's cold right now.

pink_poppy

Love the photos Dave  that nest is a work of art 

Davesnave

RAS said:

They really do need your help if they are to have any hope of raising young!

Yes, well, I did suggest putting them off so they went somewhere more sensible, but like many of my suggestions.......

The standard bay tree is very visible from the dining table.