Preparing for Winter V

fuddle

I've worked out that the starlings like the fat. They are bolshy alright. I've had a nice assortment on my feeder too Mar, it's lovely to see especielly when the sun shines on a snowy ground.

One thing for winter preps is salt. Not really needed it before but we have a few steps at this new-to-me house and yesterday it was lethal at 3pm. I have used all my table salt.

MrsCD

This morning the temperature was -2c at 8am when we went out to scrape the snow and ice off the car for me to go to my hospital appointment. It's a beautiful sunny day though and should kill a few bugs off.
We had to stop feeding birds after the rats decided to help themselves to the bits that fell onto the ground.:eek:
We still get some birds that feed on the berries in the garden and I want to find more plants that will provide natural bird food.
Mardatha, have you heard Pam Ayres poem about starlings? It's spot on, how they stay in their families!
Stay safe everyone. x

nicki_2

fuddle wrote: »

One thing for winter preps is salt. Not really needed it before but we have a few steps at this new-to-me house and yesterday it was lethal at 3pm. I have used all my table salt.

You've just reminded me we have no salt. Not even table salt as we use a low sodium alternative. I had to chuck the bag we had out as it was congealed into a horrible mess from damp in the cupboard.

mardatha

Sainsbugs Basics salt is very cheap, I buy loads of it.
Not heard that poem MrsCD but will google it.

[Deleted User]

I saw a rat two weeks ago in broad daylight. I was sitting in a chair gazing out the window and he ran from under a covered bench, straight to a ground feeder and there he stayed until I clapped my hands. I sat down and out he came again and again and again. I went straight onto the net and ordered some traps. Then that night at about 2 am, I heard the loudest cat screeches ever, like two cats fighting over a rat. Haven`t seen him since. So I obviously have a cat patrol at night and tbh it is welcome

I love watching the birds and the starlings are going to be eating me out of house and home, they are eating everything: meal worms, fat, peanuts, seed, raisins. They have horrible voices and plumage that looks drab, until the sun shines on it and they are always squabbling, so they are entertaining

I found the starlings poem
http://www.twootz.com/blog/118/Starlings
http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/chat/f/17376/t/46316.aspx

mardatha

Minus 7 here this morning and the birds don't want to leave the hedge. The snow is still lying deep and crisp and even, and by the look of the sky there's more on the way. I do love winter But the kitchen feels like Siberia and when in there I'm using my warmest cardi hung on a hook behind the door.

[Deleted User]

I'm actually warm this morning for the first time in ages.....because I remembered I'd invested in some thermal vests last year and put one on. What a difference it makes by keeping your body core snug, still got cold hands but that's all. Worth the outlay for the comfort.

Wednesday2000

It feels freezing here today. We mght get snow. I'm about to have a hot bath and then put on a few layers of clothes.:)

MrsCD

DH has just invested in some long sleeved thermal tops as he was wearing 4 layers of clothes and was still cold. I just had my warm jumper on with my corduroy trousers! I told him to move instead of watching cricket all day.;)
-2c here this morning, but still bright and crunchy.

boultdj

Woke up to a layer of snow this morning, furry owner has been complaining it's cold to her paws, but she's still gone out in it.