Snow, grit, birds, and things

It might not seem like it, but the gritters went out last night and this morning to prepare primary routes, but at a reduced rate of spreading in line with government advice to conserve salt stocks.

I had to drop some people at Heathrow Airport at 7am, and made it there and nearly back. The snow has covered up all our hard work on the road, and the car has to stay at the bottom of the hill for the time being. The birds were waiting for me to put more food out for them when I came back. I must get out to the shops to get more food for the birds. I must check back to the RSPB website to see what it is they need. They have water available from our artificial stream (we are having to keep it trickling through to avoid it freezing), and from a couple of trays.

Three gritters have been out this morning on the primary routes, and one doing the principal roads. Traffic congestion around the borough, caused by the snow of course, is slowing progress. Unfortunately It looks like the bin collection plan is back to square one. I will get out shopping one the main roads look less busy, and the griiters have had a chance to work. Probably after 10ish to allow for the belated school openings today.

Feathered Plucker

There I was happily tapping away at the computer with Barney the dog beside me. Barney leapt up, and set his body into a pointing position. Even his eyes seemed to be bulging forward.

Pigeon, I thought, but there was no whining or yapping from Barney. I peered around the curtain, to be greeted by, yes, a pigeon; but with its heart ripped out. Was this some omen I wondered.

I stepped out into the garden, followed by Barney. He was not the least bit interested in the Pigeon now, as dead things are not fun to chase. Pigeons are about the only thing that Barney will chase. Small birds are of no interest, and big birds like Magpies, Crows, and Jays, might just bite back. Ducks Geese, and sometimes big Tom Cats also scare him. His favorite is a rubber chicken, which we have to throw for him to chase, and worry at.

Anyway.

I sat down and continued with whatever it was. I thought I would monitor the situation, and see if the heart specialist returned.

A little later Barney started to taking a lazy interest in something again. I took a stealthy peak around the curtain., to be greeted by a female Sparrowhawk pulling its prey to a safe eating place.

Barney and I watched fascinated, as the Sparrowhawk plucked off the feathers and dug into the meat below. The bird had very quick movements, as it tried to keep its head up to watch for danger, but also carry on plucking and eating.

It was an interesting diversion to the work of the day.

The body disappeared overnight, presumably claimed by a hungry fox.

The pictures were taken through the window, and are unfortunately a bit blurry.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/sparrowhawk/index.asp#

Watch the Birdie

Numbers of a threatened species of bird native to some of Bracknell Forest’s nature reserves have dropped following heavy snowfalls in the winter. Conservationists are warning that numbers of Dartford warblers could have fallen by 80 or 90 per cent.
Bracknell Standard

It is worrying that things are being done to protect birds, but that they continue to decline.

The Council has produced Open Space Management Plans in consultation with Natural England. These set out the precise works to areas of open space and the priority order for these enhancements. Four of these plans have now been finalised, Horseshoe Lakes, Englemere Pond, The Cut Countryside Corridor and Longhill Park cluster, and the remaining four will be produced.
Thames Basin.

The birds in our garden, and the woodland behind appear to have done well with breeding this year.
At one stage I could count 7 baby Blue Tits in the bird bath together. The were like a bunch of small boys at the seaside splashing about.

On a more somber note, there is a "smell" in the attic. The Starlings did appear to breed OK, but I suspect that one did not make it. Diane wants me to go up now and sort it out. I wonder if I wait whether "it" will dry out and cease to be a problem.

There used to be a lot of Starlings about when I moved in 12 years ago. There was constant whistling and chatting. I miss all that background noise.

We did the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. As always it was interesting watching all the birds come and go.
I must remember to keep an eye out for a suitable webcam to capture the garden and wildlife.