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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2020 16:18:27 GMT
Do not worry GBH! This is quite natural behaviour. What happens is a couple of days of warm weather kicks them off and the nesting instinct goes into overdrive. The instinct is so strong so when this cold easterly comes along they know beforehand. To continue the nesting instinct they simply go into reverse! This keeps them busy and placates the urge so to speak.
Love the Coal tit video! I so hope it takes residence as I think you would be the first on the forum with a camera in the box!!!!
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Post by sammi on Mar 21, 2020 11:48:12 GMT
Wow GBH I'm just trying to catch up today and there has been so much going on at yours. So so pleased for you. Coal tits too. It's amazing and brings joy in these awful days. We are semi isolated due to our age and so something like this means so much more. I just love how these birds are not affected by our human mess. I'm trying to look on the bright side thinking we have so much time for the garden now.🙂🤗🐦
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 22, 2020 7:29:35 GMT
Hi all, no real news bird box wise - Beaktrik has started to fill her box up again with moss....this is ongoing since yesterday morning. Working away straight way this morning. Nothing happening in the other sideview box at all. There she is this morning, bringing in a bunch of stuff: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Not bird related, but I have a bit of a conundrum....I've been troubled about it these past few days. We have been pet free since our cat & dog died in 2017. The cat was age 20 and the dog age 16 - they had a long life and both were very spoiled and well loved. You probably remembered me talking about them in previous years? Since moving house, we weren't quite ready to be pet owners again, and had said we'd wait another while, but the question of getting a new dog has cropped up again, and we do want to get some hens.....but definitely not a cat - we were adamant about this mainly because of the bird boxes and the carnage of small animals that cats in general can leave in their wake. In over the months we have had lots of cats visit the garden, they stay for an hour, we enjoy their company, then then they go home. But in recent weeks, we noticed a new black cat visit us. It was a kitten....well, more of a juvenile cat. We gave it a rub as we did with the other cats, but never fed it or encouraged into the house or anything. It is very affectionate and friendly so has clearly had plenty of human contact. What was puzzling us though, was although the cat must have had an owner somewhere in the area, this cat was very thin, clearly very hungry and it seemed to be in distress. It is beginning to show signs of wildness and distrust, which contradicts its good nature. When we make a sudden move, it lashes out wildly with its paw. Perhaps it has been kicked or beaten by someone? We think she is in pain too... somewhere near her belly or legs. Now...since last week this cat has been hanging around our garden full time, and we believe has begun sleeping in the wood shed and also under our deck....so something is definitely amiss. Yesterday, I put a notice up about her with a picture and have since found out that this poor cat is known in the area and some kind neighbours have been feeding it when it comes begging. The bad news is that apparently it was abandoned by a women who lived in a house across the road from us, who's house was repossessed due to non payment. So she must have had to move out in a hurry and just left everything, including her cat? But it get worse....this is one of THREE cats that she abandoned. From piecing the story together, I believe this cats mother was the cat that the woman initially owned...she then abandoned it and her cat had two kittens either while still living there with this woman, or just after the woman moved out....these kittens are now grown bigger...and I believe that it is one of these two kittens that is visiting us.... AND IT GETS WORSE....people think this little cat is now pregnant....oh gawd. So, we are so conflicted here...we DON'T want a cat....but this cat has come to us for help - its starving, unloved and in great trouble.....what do we do???? Nobody wants to claim ownership for it, its not getting regular feeds and we feel responsible now...it seems to have chosen us. Its literally telling us it needs us. Either way we need to get it to a vet and get her checked out. That should be fun.... we'll be torn to shreds!!!! I'll feel so much happier though if the cat is spayed. At least she won't be bothered by other male cats then. I can't in my good consciousness leave it to perish but it so typical!!!!!. What will we do?????????? Here she is:
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Post by springtime 66 on Mar 22, 2020 8:04:46 GMT
Such a shame, to have been abandoned, it obviously needs going to a good home. do you not have rescue centres it can be taken to and later to be rehomed the vet I'm sure will help with that good luck, i hope it all has a happy outcome.
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Post by suep on Mar 22, 2020 12:26:33 GMT
Quite a predicament GBH but my thought would be the same as Ann’s. I would get in touch with the RSPCA or PDSA, they would take in the cat/cats and check them over and assess their suitability for rehoming them in the future.(obviously the best option for them). This way you would have done your best by them and have a clear conscience. Good luck Sue
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Post by WildlifePaul on Mar 22, 2020 15:32:30 GMT
Try your local rescue centres GBH, Could be poorly and need help, I know you can also phone the RSPCA and they give you a code to take it the vets to be checked over and they pay the cost. Although this wouldn't be any good for you since you dont want the cat, So best phoning up a local rescue and take it to them get him / her some help.
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 22, 2020 16:29:04 GMT
Hi all, thanks for the replies.... Yes, the rescue centres were going to be our first port of call to get some advice etc and help with transporting her to the vet at least, but perhaps its not the same in the UK just yet, but alot of businesses are closed here due to the Covid 19 government recommendations and that includes the animal volunteer shelters and rescue centres....there are no ISPCA call out services available either until further notice....they will only take emergency calls for animal cruelty/critical cases. Doh!!! Timing eh!!! lol!!! Ah well...shes lying on the floor here as I type - happy and content.... looks like she's moved in - for now anyway. We'll get her to the vet during the week somehow (if the vet is open that is) and have her checked over. In the meantime, we'll take care of her. Ho hum!!! I'm not going to get stressed anymore about it. So, in other news....I've had lots of interest in the sideview box from a pair of blue tits...in and out numerous times today. I'm hopeful this will develop into something more concrete as the days go on. Also, today I noticed a pair of Great Tits flying to the entrance of the Aldi box a number of times (yes, the Aldi box is STILL there - Its there on the side of my shed since last September!) I decided to plug in the old jalopy camera to see if there was any change - nothing doing...not even a twig!!!! ha,ha!!! But I got busy today, and I've this camera wire fed into the shed just connected up to a portable TV via the scart lead. No way of recording or anything, but just happy to be able to have a look in every now and again.
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Post by Amanda on Mar 22, 2020 19:32:53 GMT
I think you have a new pet cat!
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Post by suep on Mar 22, 2020 19:43:05 GMT
You are a big softie GBH 😉, you ‘didnt’ want a cat, but somehow I feel because this cat needs you you won’t be turning her away any time soon!!!! G B H. Think it must stand for Great Big Heart Sue
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 23, 2020 8:06:09 GMT
We have called her "Spooky". Yes, we are big stupid softies....she's a little pet though. We'll see what happens...the advert is up, and someone might still come forward??? Wait till these suspect kittens come along....good grief. Fingers crossed shes not pregnant... Edited for an update: I got lucky. I phoned a few numbers to animal centres this morning - all of them went straight to answering machines...most said they weren't doing any call outs etc etc....but I left a message on each one anyway...and one lady rang me back!!! She is going to call out this evening and pick up "Spooky" and take her away to be assessed. If not pregnant, she will have her neutered this evening and will drop her back to our location tomorrow, or if pregnant she will foster her for the few weeks...she'll release her back neutered to our location then once kittens are born and weened. She will take care of the re-homing of the kittens also. Isn't it amazing work that these volunteers do!!!! Wow!!!
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Post by suep on Mar 23, 2020 13:52:04 GMT
Good work Great Big Softie, sounds like a great outcome. Thing is will you adopt her eventually? My money is on a yes Sue
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 24, 2020 9:23:14 GMT
Hi all... Hope you are all over the shock of the 'lock down' in the UK....it was only a matter of time I suppose. Please stay safe. Ireland are awaiting an announcement now today relating to non-essential businesses being closed - so that will be me out of a job.... for a while anyway! Cat news: Little 'Spooky' was collected by the 'Trap.Neuter.Release' scheme last night and they brought her to their vet for her check up - shes thankfully not pregnant (they think she may have eaten a rabbit recently, hence the swelled belly and may also be full of worms!! ) She is being operated on now this morning and will be back with us by this evening, neutered, wormed, de-loused and mite free and her ear tipped. (I hate that bit - I pleaded with them not to do it, but its a requirement for stray cats apparently) So yes, we've decided we will mind her if she choses to stay with us. She'll be an 'outdoor' cat and we'll provide good food, nice bedding and her own little shelter and more importantly, she'll have a safe, loving home. The lady said that having her in the garden will actually reduce the amount of birds killed as Spooky will run off any other neighbourhood cats who've been prowling around. I'm online now looking for an extra loud cat collar bell and have found a recommended one that has lots of good reviews. Onto Bird news... So three days in a row now we've had lots of interest in the 2nd box (the "side view" box)....several visits happening all day long, right up into dusk. I'm becoming hopeful for a second nest. Here is some footage from earlier on this morning: Box no.1 had a bit of a lull yesterday, as Beaktrix was missing all day....I was getting a bit anxious, but then she returned to roost. I've yet to see her add more nesting material today. Haven't noticed her in yet. So she's slowed down dramatically for some reason. The pair visiting the side view box have also now visited Beaxtrix's box this morning, so there could be trouble there. Hopefully it was just a fleeting visit. Not sure if there is any activity in the Aldi box....still empty.
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Post by springtime 66 on Mar 24, 2020 9:59:46 GMT
Glad the cat, is being cared for now, im sure it will be looked after well by you as an outdoor cat. looking good for your boxes GBH
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Post by WildlifePaul on Mar 24, 2020 12:38:06 GMT
Lucky Cat, Well done you!
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Post by sammi on Mar 24, 2020 21:58:02 GMT
Hi GBH sounds like a good outcome for the little cat. I hope she keeps the riff raff out🤣
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 25, 2020 9:29:52 GMT
Hi all.... In bird news: A real slow down in the Beaktrix nest box....she's in to roost each evening, but not really visiting during the day? No material being brought in or moved around. Noticeable change there. I'm worried that she's gone, and perhaps the rooster is a different bird....just can't tell??? The other pair are still busy visiting the sideview box, but again, they haven't made up their mind yet. They do seem very interested. Back in every hour or so....then I'm wondering is this Beaktrix, deciding to move box....as this female has similar behaviour....it would make sense seeing as the other box is not progressing at all. I'd really need to catch the birds in both boxes at the same time to be sure!! Time will tell. Nothing doing at all in the ill-fated Aldi box...although...I think see a bit of poo on the floor...which is something that wasn't there the other day. Must look in after dark this evening. Covid 19 news: After yesterdays Irish government announcement, I'm still in work today as I work along side the house renovation/construction industry, this is type of work is not stopping for the moment....but I can do the majority of my work from home, so as it does stipulate "don't go to work unless it absolutely essential to physically be there" and I don't need to physically be there....so I'll be having a chat with my boss about that. To be totally truthful....I just want to be at home to watch these birds..ha,ha!!! In cat news and this will be my final post about her: Here is Spooky the cat, back from the vet...full check up given, then spayed, wormed, claws trimmed and her left ear tipped....she is so much more relaxed and so much happier now this morning...its unbelievable...she literally changed overnight - no more skittishness and potential to lash out. Nearly think we got the wrong cat back!!! She's lolling in the sunshine and just really content. Like the little cat she should always have been...I guess she's here to stay. I'm online looking for cat collars and id tags. Edited to fix spellings and typos galore....lol!!!
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Post by suep on Mar 25, 2020 10:37:29 GMT
Oh she’s lovely GBH, a great outcome and looks like she’s landed on her feet with you. Blue tits at a standstill here too GBH, so maybe they know something we don’t . Sue
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Post by WildlifePaul on Mar 25, 2020 17:57:43 GMT
Aww she's lovely, I am glad she is doing better. If you keep her well fed she won't bother with your birds, Atleast mine don't I have a few cats and they're that lazy they let the pigeons walk right past them when they sit in the garden. Lovely little ending for her though glad she ended up finding you no animal deserves to be let by its owner disgusting that.
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 27, 2020 13:52:48 GMT
Fleeting visits in the boxes this morning, but nothing for the rest of the day....
A hive of activity at all my feeders...queues forming nearly....so they are stocking up for whatever is coming this weekend.
Comforting to know that for once, its not just me!!!! Lots on here noticing the lull over the past few days.
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 30, 2020 7:09:52 GMT
Still NOTHING doing at all over the weekend - literally zero visits into either box during the day time. Everything has completely stopped. Herself is still coming in to roost at dusk, so there is that at least! What a strange, quiet week though??? Really beautiful morning this morning though and I've had a landing on Beaktrixs box by a Great Tit who took a peak into the box, so I do hope this is a hopeful sign that the birds have decided to resume with their nesting building activities. In Covid 19 news: Due to the most recent Irish Govt social distancing restrictions, only certain businesses and services are to remain open so my company has finally been deemed to be 'non-essential' along with most other construction related businesses. The company has shut down completely so I don't even have to work from home. The 'pause' button has been pressed and I'm delighted about that as there will be no pile up of work waiting for me when I get back. I'm at home now full time for the next two weeks - or longer, if they extend it further. But its not a celebratory feeling like taking a Summer break though...its quite scary, and feels a lot more sinister doesn't it??? I'm quite relieved to be finally home, indoors and safe....I was getting anxious about the whole thing. I'm glad to be able to slow down and take a breath. Major praise to all of those workers on the 'frontline' tackling this pandemic. I have no words good enough to describe the respect and gratitude I feel for them. They must feel so scared going into work every day. Hope everyone stays safe and well....Strange times we are going through.
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Post by springtime 66 on Mar 30, 2020 7:26:04 GMT
Good Morning GBH We have a calmer day here, wind has eased thankfully.its a little cloudy, no sun yet.in fact its just started to rain its very quiet here also with the birds, I've only noticed a daily visit in the morning.surely it will pick up for everyone soon, we all need something to distract us at this time of the awful virus. It is good to see that people are pulling together at this difficult time, and that we have so many dedicated people fighting for us. my husband and I have always gone out for a 5 mile walk daily around the lakes even before all this, yesterday we saw a group of 9 guys and girls all together 18/19 year olds completely disrespecting the guidelines.they should be named and shamed these are our future adults hope you have some activity today, enjoy your day
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Post by YorksherLass on Mar 30, 2020 8:26:02 GMT
I'm at home now full time for the next two weeks - or longer, if they extend it further. Home for 3 months at least as husband is on vulnerable list. Major praise to all of those workers on the 'frontline' tackling this pandemic. I have no words good enough to describe the respect and gratitude I feel for them. They must feel so scared going into work every day. Hope everyone stays safe and well....Strange times we are going through. Agree 100% I hobbled to the front door to clap. yahoo_clap
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Mar 30, 2020 8:34:21 GMT
In Ireland, we are limited to 2km radius of our homes for "brief exercise"... and its being policed. If you are outside the zone without a real need or letter from your employer, you'll be fined. I am a regular runner, and I did my last half marathon on 7th March...seems like a lifetime ago!!! I haven't really been out properly since so I'm turning into a complete slug. I've the Dublin marathon coming up again in October, so I'm trying to maintain my long distances - not an easy task with only 2km to work with!! Yes, I can't believe people are still ignoring the warnings - I see they are starting to put up messages and photos from families who have lost loved ones...while completely heartbreaking, I think this is a really good idea...its puts real faces to those numbers on the news that we keep seeing. Shame on those people blatantly putting other peoples lives at risk, not to mention their own. Anyway, in other news, I've just had visit from a pair of Great Tits to the sideview box....thats a first for me here at this house. Its always just been one bird looking, but never two together. I would love a Great Tit nest - I think I may have mentioned that once or twice!! ha,ha!! Edited as we must have posted at the same time Yorkshire lass - I'm really sorry to hear this. You must be very worried. 3 months is a very long time....I hope you stay safe and well.
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Post by springtime 66 on Mar 30, 2020 9:00:07 GMT
I also have a great tit checking out the boxes a while ago, he went into my sideview box +camera, all very interesting to see where they finally choose its the most activity ive seen for quite a few days blue tit on my slate roof box +camera
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Post by greatbluehopeful on Apr 1, 2020 10:04:18 GMT
Beautiful day...not a peep out of the birds. Officially getting fed up now..ha,ha,ha!! Why won't they perform for us!!! ha,ha!! Anyway, I'm thinking of building a wee willy wagtail box...as we've a few wagtails in our garden and as boredom is setting in I thought why not. Sure, they might take to it, or they might not, but it'll fill a few hours. Also, just noticed my favourite online nature shop is still taking orders and doing deliveries, so might try ordering an artificial swallow nest to put on the shed - we get alot of swallows around these parts and they should be making their way over soon. Edited to say - Change of plan!!! I'm going to make my own swallow box and a martin nest box....just found the instructions online - should be fun!!! Here is the instructions, if anyone is interested...you can apply the same rules for a swallow box. www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/nestboxes/how-to-attract-house-martins/
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