CHARLIE... STILL MY DARLNG

We’ve always had foxes but never one as brave as the latest visitor. It comes right up to the house to drink from the birdbath. I thought this was amusing and didn’t mind a bit. It was only a young animal, it would soon learn where it could and couldn’t go.

However, a few days later I saw Charlie the cat running towards the house. Not an ordinary run, this was fast as lightening and scared looking. I can only think he was scared by the fox but whatever it was frightened the daylights out of him. He wouldn’t go out at all, not even to do his business. He stayed indoors for quite a few days and I couldn’t entice him out. Then one day he did venture out but only onto the patio while I was putting bird seed on the bird tables a short distance away. No amount of coaxing could persuade him to join me further down. As soon as I went into the house, he was hot on my trail.

I remember thinking it might be the end of his garden adventures but deep down I wondered if the time would come when he forgot about the fox (who hasn’t been seen since) and go out as normal. He has been out since but doesn’t stay out for long. Still, it’s a start. Encouragement, encouragement, that might do it.

In the 15 months that I’ve had Charlie he has always been timid. It took him a while to settle when he arrived and absolutely ages before he would venture onto my lap. He jumped nervously and went into hiding at the least loud noise and when new people came to the house he freaked out. As time went on he relaxed a bit more but still keeps his distance from people he doesn’t know.

I don’t know his background but I wonder if he was ill-treated at some time. Because of this I’ve shown him a lot of love and care, which he would have had whether or no. It seems to have worked but not a hundred percent. A quick and unexpected move can send him scurrying for cover.

What do you think? Will the time come when he is totally settled and back to chasing birds?

Valerie

Life in the garden

In an attempt to defeat or rather lessen the damage done by squirrels, we have invested in a new feeding station which is now installed in our lawn. It is in direct view of the house although far enough away for the birds to feed in peace. This means I can bird-watch to my heart’s content. And do! Oh what joy! I am now seeing birds I thought never see again:

Great spotted woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, the old favourites: Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, plus Nuthatches and all the usual garden birds including, naturally, the Magpies and Woodpigeon. I would rather do without the latter two but I suppose they’re entitled to eat

same as the finches. It’s just that they overdo it and break things in their attempts. Still, I guess I can’t have one without the other.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

The Great Spotted Woodpecker comes for peanuts rather than to peck wood, although as previously reported he did have a go at the wooden bird table.

Green Woodpecker

The Green Woodpecker feeds from the ground and since the grass is green we have to look carefully to see him. It was lucky that he decided to investigate other parts of the garden. Both woodpeckers used to be regular visitors at our last house but until now, as far as we know, never at the present one.

Female Chaffinch

Chaffinches were once only seen on the ground but they certainly like the new feeding station. They come in whole families… six or seven at a time. As do the bullfinches. Greenfinches have started to come in as well and that’s good because they are so few of them now. In fact, they are almost on the extinct list.

Male Bullfinch

The fox has made an appearance although his eye is on the tasty looking woodpigeons. He caught one the other day, and what a commotion there was from other birds, all trying to scare him away – and failing. Talk about nature in the raw! Hmm I took a great picture of the fox but can't find it... perhaps he ate that as well! This photo is rather inferior but it will have to do.

The Fox 

I do still have the two field-mice in the garden ... not sure what happened to the third. They're almost tame, certainly they don't run away from me. I said 'smile please' but they didn't bother!

Field-mice

The best thing for me has been watching the babies of each species, seeing them develop from babies to juvenile and then to adult birds. It has been interesting to see the way the plumage slowly changes before the birds finish up with adult colours. It starts with a slight colouring of the downy breast, then the tail changes colour and the back, and finally the head. Because of this I was able to identify the male and female babies.

I am pleased we are able to feed birds in this country. Australians are forbidden to do so and I believe that’s because of the different viruses wild birds carry. I suppose it’s the same the world over so I’ll carry on feeding them until told otherwise.

Odd bits of news

In a recent post about recycling I mentioned a Bra Bar. As you can see from the picture, it was totally the wrong name. It should have been a Bra Bank. Not the kind where you make deposits or withdraw funds, although in this day and age anything is possible. Anyway, since there was some doubt about there being a bra bar at all, I took the photograph on my next supermarket visit.

Had fun watching the crows the other day. It’s not often we see a black crow in the garden but it was blisteringly hot so he must have been attracted by the water in the birdbath and a few titbits on the lawn. The crow grabbed a morsal of food in his beak – either apple peel or biscuit – and flew onto the bath, whereby he dropped the food in the water. It was interesting to see him eating the soaked bits before flying off. 

The same day, while the birds were busy eating, we saw the fox in the distance. He was lying in the wild patch enjoying the sun and watching the birds at the same time. I expected him to attack but he just lay there ... watching. The birds ignored him as well.  

I have better luck photographing birds than bees. I tried all ways to get a clear picture of this one. If only he’d stayed still..... 

I have several diaries, in different places, to ensure that I don’t forget an appointment. Why then do I overlook some? I just about made it to the chiropractors at the allotted time but I wouldn’t have done so if Joe hadn’t been there to remind me. Perhaps I need audible alerts on some scheduled activities. Trouble with those is timing. If a reminder is needed, how far in advance should it be? Half an hour, an hour, a day? Too early and I could still forget to turn up for a specific engagement, and too close to call could be disastrous  So what should I do? Tie a diary to my ankle or wrist...and still forget what it was there for?

 Talking of memories...

I popped into the local supermarket and whilst waiting in the small queue to be served I saw a guy come in that I’d seen before. I just KNEW his face. Isn’t it awful when you can’t place someone? Was it my old doctor? Nah, I’d never forget him. Someone off telly? Nah, he didn’t look that famous. It bugged me that I couldn’t remember where I’d seen him before. Neatly dressed in a grey suit but no tie, highly polished shoes but no socks, greying hair flopping over his brow, he looked as hot and bothered as the rest of the customers. Well, I racked my brains, what few are left, and then it came to me..... Andrew Mitchell, my local Member of Parliament. So they are normal, after all! 

NOTE FOR THE DAY is at the top of the sidebar

Bits and Bobs

Parking the car was no problem this morning. There was a distinct lack of vehicles so I guess the intense heat was keeping everyone away. As always I needed to use the lift to get out of the car park and was joined by an elderly lady in a wheelchair and her daughter.

           

‘Lovely Day’ said the daughter, ‘but I am NOT moaning.’

She was on her own then, because everyone else was complaining about the heat. I could see what she meant, since we’re a nation of moaners. We grumble if it’s cold, we whinge if it’s wet, and, yes, we whine if it’s hot. There’s no pleasing some folk, me included.

The lift arrived at the ground floor and together we made our way out. The old lady spoke for the first time. I've got that skirt,' she told me, alluding to the one I was wearing (see pic for design).

She went on to tell me that she didn’t like it.  
Hmm ... mine or hers?

Quick as a flash I told her I had a matching top and I didn’t like that either.

‘Oh, I like the top, it’s the skirt I can’t stand.’

Note to self: wear a coat in future!

The old dear wasn’t being nasty, but her remarks had her daughter and me in stitches. When we parted company, the daughter said how much she’d enjoyed meeting me. Our brief and somewhat unusual conversation must have lifted our spirits because I felt the same way.

  

The fox has started leaving presents again. The other day I found a knitted toy, some kind of multicoloured animal, together with a ripped plastic bag in which some kind neighbour had inserted an opened tin of food. Obviously it was something they didn’t like so threw the whole lot out for the refuse men to collect. Anyway, foxy must have caught a whiff because he dragged the bag into our garden and left it there.

He was probably put off by having to get through the plastic bag, or perhaps he had a yen to play with the toy, or maybe he was disturbed in the process. I found it when I went out to feed the birds. Donning rubber gloves (well, you never know, do you?) I gathered it all together. Unfortunately, in the process the contents of the tin fell onto the grass. Oh *** it, I thought, I’ll leave it there and see what happens and then I went away to put the bag and tin in the rubbish bin where it belonged. Heehee HhEEI don’t know which house it came from otherwise I would have handed it back. Checking the wild patch the next day I noticed that all the food had gone.

Should I count that as doing my good deed for the day?

Last evening I witnessed an exciting punch-up between a magpie and a squirrel. The bird was attacking the squirrel who was eating all the nuts. When I say attacking, I mean ATTACKING. He flew into the air and dive-bombed the squirrel several times, but each time the little rodent simply flicked his tail at the bird and went on eating. I wasn’t sure whose side I was on...lol. Naturally I tried to get pictures but this is all I could manage.

Finally, I thought you might like to see what else I found in the wild patch today. 

Aren’t they lovely?

Have a nice day, folks.

NOTE FOR THE DAY is at the top of the sidebar

That was the week, that was

This week we splashed out for some new curtains, both nets and main. The old nets on the two road-facing windows were made of pure cotton which certain moths took a liking to. I was appalled when I took then down to wash and saw how much they’d eaten, it took me all my time to remove the wires because the cotton threads were so entangled. We live in a fairly narrow road so people in opposite houses are able to see right into the front bedroom. You can see why net curtains are essential. I’d hate to think people were peering at the body beautiful.

We decided to replace the main curtains as well. Not an easy task when all the curtain shops have ceased to exist. I didn’t fancy ordering on line, I mean how can you feel the quality when you buy that way? A friend told me about The Range, a recently opened store fairly near to where we live. We went to explore.  What an amazing place that was, I don’t think there was anything they didn’t sell. The array of curtains was vast, reasonable quality and respectably priced. My Guy is an accountant so he’s acutely aware of costs but he couldn’t believe the prices.

Now for the decorating! 

We have accepted the quote for a professional decorator to do the kitchen, lounge and hall, for starters! Whilst appreciating that these jobs need doing, I dread the upheaval. Wouldn’t it be good if we could move out while the jobs are done?

The lounge is a sunless room and always seems very dark, so we’ve decided to go with white walls. We’ll have the new style anaglypta (can’t remember the name of it) so that future decorating will just be coats of paint. Next in line for the lounge is to change the style of lighting ... ssshhh I haven’t broached that subject yet.

a dish of smothered chicken

Saturday we had our usual lunch out at the Horse and Jockey, an Ember Inns establishment.  I had smothered chicken and himself had the gammon, both served with chips and peas. 


I have just discovered that they now do a take-away service which should make a nice change from the local chippie. Not that I want to go down that route, but it's worth knowing ... just in case.

We have got to know a couple of the barmaids quite well although one of them recently left to return to her homeland, Australia. Chatting to the girl she left behind we discovered that she had been in communication with her friend, using her mobile phone, for free. What?

Apparently Skype isn’t the only freebee phone facility, now smart phone users can download Viber from Apple. The girls talked for an hour and it cost nothing. This is definitely something I must investigate. Isn’t technology marvellous?

Both girls have university degrees in Sport and Social Science and I wondered what sort of work the Australian girl was doing ... would you believe she’s back working in a bar? I come from the old school where people with degrees had plenty of opportunities but it’s not so these days. Seems to me that qualifications are a waste of time; what’s the point of studying hard to get one when there are no jobs available?

Apparently both of them were advised to take on voluntary work, but that is no good when they need money to survive and repay the student loan. There is so much store set on going to university these days. Whereas at one time youngsters left school and got a job, now it is the practice to move on to university. Thankfully apprenticeships are becoming more popular. A much better idea in today’s climate ... work experience as well as earning a wage is far less worrying for our young people.

Picture courtesy of www.sterling-adventures.co.uk

One of the young foxes has taken to sleeping at the bottom of the garden, Last time he was there for at least a couple of hours while a woodpigeon got on with eating his food. Wildlife is so interesting!

I recently downloaded the game Scribe on the iPad, a game which is certainly addictive. Beating my targets has almost become an obsession. You will see in the picture that I have been promoted to Legendary Wizard. Is that something to be proud of, I ask myself, well at least it made my friend jealous.

All week we’ve had attractive skies, thundery looking, yes, but nice to look at. 

That’s all the news for this week. It’s been fun recalling all the things I have done.

Fox brings unwanted gifts

Since the fox keeps leaving presents I'm wondering if it’s in appreciation for allowing him to sunbathe at the bottom of the garden, or gratitude for the peanuts put out for jays and squirrels. 

I can’t say I appreciate the gifts, I mean a tatty pair of gardening gloves and a couple of tennis balls aren’t something to rave over. In the long grass of the wild patch I’ve found empty but well-chewed packets that once held chocolate biscuits, polo mint wrappers, a battered box of fish fingers (minus the contents), and the occasional blackcurrant drinks carton.  I don't want those either. Oh my goodness, you’d think he would invite us to his little feasts, wouldn’t you?

If the fox really wanted to please me, he should leave something I could actually use. A few trinkets instead of worn out gloves would be appreciated, or maybe the odd pound note or two. I’m not fussy, either way.

There’s a thought: do people throw money away? I frequently hear the expression it’s like throwing money down the drain ... perhaps some throw it in the bin instead!

What is left of our domestic rubbish (after putting aside recycling stuff) is tied up in black bags, most times bags within bags, and placed in the bin with a secure lid. I defy the fox to get in there.

I can only think the animal is sifting through someone’s rubbish bin and I would dearly like to know the location of that bin in order to tell the owners where their trash is disappearing to. Or even explain that there’s a fox on the loose. We did have some new neighbours in recent months and as the gift-giving is a fairly new venture I reckon the bin and rubbish belongs to them. But how to prove it and how to complain without proof? Oh well, maybe one day I’ll pluck up the courage to knock on the door. 

STALKING

(picture courtesy of news.deltanewsweb.com) 

Imagine the scene. A fairly quiet, damp day in the middle of a disappointing summer, the sort of day when animals eagerly search for food. The bird feeders are full to overflowing, and two woodpigeons are eagerly eating fallen seed. There are bushes all around, and long grass. The fox lies in the grass. He is young and unsure, and unseen by the birds.  I watch through binoculars, fascinated yet fearful that I might see something alien to my senses. Fascination won. I kept watching.

(Picture courtesy of cliffsview.wordpress.com)

Slowly the fox moves nearer to the birds. They are side by side, with their backs to him. They see nothing, nor apparently do they sense his presence. He moves in; I tense up, dreading his next move.  Seemingly unaware, the pigeons carry on feeding.

The fox decides to circle the birds. Stealthily he moves to one side, aiming to take the birds by surprise. One of them senses the unexpected company, stares at the intruder. The bird stiffens and moves in slow motion a fraction to the right, then repeats the manoeuvre until the fox has only a rear view of his quarry. Although the second bird carries on eating, he has also turned until he, too, faces away from the fox.

I waited, expecting to see the fox make a dive for one of the birds. It was not to be. He simply turned tail and walked away.

I know the fox catches birds, I’ve seen the heaps of magpie feathers in the garden. I’m no expert in these matters but I can only imagine the reason he changed his mind about going for a pigeon this time was because there were two of them. Whilst catching one, the other could attack. Sensible decision, under the circumstances. And there was me thinking the birds were stupid! Not so, they held their ground and so defeated the enemy. Amazing!

The Fox

(picture courtesy of ironammonite.com)

A few days ago the fox lay in wait at the bottom of the garden. That’s when I saw him. He was crouched in stalking position, bushy tail waving excitedly. Then he dived into the bushes, presumably after a bird. It could have been a squirrel but a squirrel is as canny as the fox, he would have been up and running at the first sniff of one. Or would he? I watched and could see the fox darting about but by this time he was always behind foliage so I didn’t get a clear view. I didn’t get a picture either. My camera was elsewhere and if I’d gone to get it the whole scenario would have been missed.

Nature can seem cruel sometimes but the fox has to survive, same as the rest of the wildlife. We feed the birds, and the birds feed the fox. Sad, but true.

The fox looked healthy and young, not old enough to have caught the mange or other life threatening disease. I actually thought there were two of them because one disappeared into the bushes on the right hand side of the garden and seconds later ‘appeared’ on the left. However, foxes are clever at disappearing and reappearing in the time it takes to blink so maybe that’s what happened ... I blinked.  If there were two it would have been good to see both youngsters playing together on the lawn.  

Later in the day I saw him again. Just the one. The sun was out, it was warm, and the Freddy the Fox was lying down, for all the world like he was sunbathing. I watched from the window until he moved and, as I thought, left the garden. I went down there to check and saw him lying amidst the undergrowth, in the area I designated as my wild patch, or to put it a better way, a wildlife patch. I spoke a few times. He looked at me for a couple of minutes, then got up and slunk away.

By early evening I was getting used to seeing him. Freddy found another sunny patch and decided to have a bit of a nap. I stayed in the house and watched. Cameras were fetched and shots taken but deep down Hubs and I knew it was a useless exercise considering the distance between him and us. Finally, Freddy stretched, stood up, had a scratch, and ambled off into the unknown.

A few sunny and warm days later I went down the garden to inspect the new growth in my 'rough patch'. Foxy must have been asleep behind a bush because for about five minutes there was nothing  but peace and quiet, then suddenly the animal darted out and rushed right past me before racing round the garden to his escape route. I couldn't believe I had been so close to him and me without camera as well. 

I hope he comes again. Perhaps I should carry the camera with me at all times ... regardless.