Just as I filled my feeders, dusted off my peanuts and washed out the water bowls, an e-mail arrived to make me green with envy.
With birds returning to our gardens as the days shorten and winter approaches, I dream of a special garden visitor, but I suspect I won't get near the quality of these customers at Benny Fredriksson's feeding station up in Sweden - ta Benny, you've made me feel really happy!
Imagine - a black woodpecker and nutcracker at the same time - god's holy trousers!
I'm generally content with a greater 'pecker and flock of siskins, but these pics show how wildlife can be drawn into your gardens in the depths of winter, especially when the temperature is lower than a snake's belly.
Okay, I know Benny lives in the wilds of Sweden, (and in the past I've been sent pics of wild lynx and grey headed woodpecker feeding in this same garden), but the principle of the thing is still the same - feed the birds regularly and you never know what you'll get.
Most days, my feeders are ravaged by greenfinches, goldfinches, blue and great tits, day in, day out, but oddities CAN be drawn in - and there's nothing like a new garden tick!
Brambling, woodcock, multiple blackcaps, red squirrel and wintering chiffchaffs have all helped put a smile on my face over the years, who knows what I'll see this winter.
At least it won't be so cold in Ainsdale that I can't hold the camera steady (I hope), so while Benny is having to burn polar bears, viking longships and Santa's sleigh to keep his house warm, the most we'll probably have to put up with is a few days with the temperature hovering below zero.
To be fair, I think I'd get the shakes if nutcracker and black woodpecker showed up on my birdtable too.
If you've got any pics of birds coming to your feeders this winter, why not e-mail 'em to me at john.dempsey@liverpool.com - the best will win a peanut bag (only joking, do you think I'm made of money?????)
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies.
PS My Daily Post column this Saturday is on geese...thousands of 'em!
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »