Bird nest beside patio

A few weeks ago we noticed blackbirds flying in and out of the euonymus that grows up the fence beside our patio.

We suspected that a nest was being built so kept clear of the area in the hope that some eggs would be laid and new birds would fledge.  Success!  I saw one blackbird fledge but, unfortunately, do not know how many birds fledged in total.

A few days after the blackbirds had left the nest we tried to see the nest.  That was so difficult!  After several attempts to locate the nest, I spotted it behind the trellis and up against the arris rail.

Not the tidiest of nests!

The blackbird breeding season lasts from early March to late July.  During this period, blackbirds rear 2-3 broods.  In a good year a fourth breed may be attempted.  It has now been almost a week since the birds left the nest but, over the last few days, I have seen adult blackbirds returning to the nest and wonder if they might be going to breed again.  I will watch, from the comfort of my sofa, with interest!

Bluebells

Today we went to Micheldever Woods to see the bluebells.  The last time we went was a few years ago, very early in the morning, when the sun was just up.  The bluebells then were fantastic.  This year we arrived mid-morning, could not get parked in the car park and arrived just as the sun was disappearing behind some clouds - not a great start.   The sun made occasional brief appearances from then on but this made the photography rather tricky.

Apparently there is a good display of bluebells in the woods a few hundred yards from my house so, weather permitting, I might take Lucy for a walk in that area in the next few days and see if I can get some better photos.

12 little ducklings

A few days ago, Rod and I walked Lucy around the back of Botleigh Grange hotel.  On the way we crossed a small bridge over a stream.  Much to our surprise, we saw a 'mummy' duck with 12 ducklings in tow.  Unfortunately, we did not have a camera with us. They were swimming against the tide so the stronger ducklings were OK but some of the others had to navigate their way across a few pebbles to make progress.  It was fun watching them learn and watching the mother duck waiting for them to make sure they were alright.   

Next time I do that walk I will have to take a camera with me and see if I can spot them again.