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I presume by now everyone will be aware of this nasty parasite that has had such a devastating affect on our garden birds, mainly Greenfinches (although in the south, where my daughter lives, they are finding that the House Sparrow is most affected). We have been unfortunate enough to have had fourteen dead along with many looking distinctly poorly with very fluffed out feathers, difficulty in swallowing and very lethargic looking. So far the other finches that visit our garden appear healthy but we have noticed a couple of collared doves appearing to have the same symptoms, with extremely swollen or perhaps overfull crops. As we haven't had any casualties for the last fortnight we are hoping that this problem is dying down or hopefully out. The latest thinking appears to be not to feed on the ground and keep hanging feeders clean and sterilised regularly. Any seed that falls to the ground should be taken up as soon as possible. Fortunately, this year, all species appear to have had great success in hatching and rearing their chicks, especially the Greenfinches. We even had adult birds feeding young as late as 20th September but they are having a rough time as along with the illness these poor Greenfinches appear to be meal of choice for the Sparrow Hawk who is making daily if not twice daily visits to the garden, even bringing his spouse on a number of occasions. She just sits on the fence and watches him in action, she being much larger is more interested in the larger birds. It is quite a sight to see them fly off together at great speed.
The goldfinches too have had a good year, thirteen being counted at one time in another Barberry Close garden. They are nearly all now in full and glorious plumage with just three or four of our visitors not quite complete in the headgear department; obviously the last of this season's fledglings.
There are of course plenty of the dreaded Magpies. Strange how we are so against them but absolutely ecstatic when the near relative the Jay pays us a visit, quite a sight for sore eyes. We infrequently have the Greater Spotted Woodpecker on the peanuts, another 'bonnie' bird.
Butterflies have been much more prolific this summer too, though not as many species as we used to have prior to the moor being transformed into football pitches. We even had a Hawk Moth about two weeks ago but unfortunately was unable to identify which one as by the time the binoculars were in hand and in focus it had made a hasty exit.
Back to the subject of the poorly birds, the advice is do NOT stop feeding. Feed from hanging feeders, not from the ground, be very hygiene conscious and carry on enjoying your garden birds and don't worry - we are informed it is not transferable to humans.
Sheelagh M