CLATFORD VALLEY
gardening club
The club was treated to a very interesting talk in September by Steve Oakes who is a representative of the RSPB.
The title of Steve’s talk was ‘Birds in the Garden’.
To begin, Steve talked about how to facilitate birds in your garden. There are many layers in the garden which start with the lawn and go up to perennials, shrubs and trees. They allow birds to find cover and food and shelter. Don’t be too quick to remove them.
In winter, territories are being set up. Birds at this time need good predator cover and food and hedges and trees provide this. Berries on shrubs and trees such as pyracantha and holly can provide cover for nesting and roosting as well as food.
Bird boxes are very important in the garden but it is important to clean them out every year as some birds may overwinter in them.
A mixture of annuals and perennials help to keep the ground moist which is good for ground feeding birds. Small birds like the wren can nest in a log pile so don’t be too tidy and perhaps make a log pile for this purpose.
Bird feeders are good when natural food is not around say in late winter and early spring. Peanuts are enjoyed by the woodpecker and other woodland birds but it’s important to keep the feeders clean to avoid the spread of diseases. Steve suggested that suet balls are better than fat balls as they are softer and easier to digest.
Likewise, bird baths should be kept scrupulously clean and could even be cleaned and topped up with water twice a day.
Steve told us that the most adaptable bird is the Blue Tit. Along with Great Tits and Coal Tits. These are the birds more commonly seen in our gardens. Long- tailed Tits are not territorial and will make their own nests sewn together with cobwebs. An unpaired bird can help a nest making pair and become part of the extended family.
Steve went on to talk about specific birds and their habits.
The female wren for example doesn’t sing, only the males. They are the most ubiquitous birds and will nest in buildings, shrubs or the potting shed. The males make two nests so the females can choose. How sweet is that?
Interestingly, the female robin sings in winter but in summer they lose their sexuality. Juveniles can sing against their parents and arrive in large numbers from abroad.
Steve went on to talk about most of our garden and woodland birds at this time of year with regard to migration and how often they can be sighted in our gardens.
Every year there is a garden bird watch which is not only fascinating but means you can sit down with a cup of coffee in a quiet spot and enjoy observing these beautiful little creatures that honour us with a visit to our gardens. If you would like to see more images of birds that visit our gardens you can visit the RSPB website.
Jenny has booked Esseborne Manor for Christmas lunch this year. Members have been sent a copy of the menu which needs to be returned by October.
We are very fortunate that Cynthia Williams has very kindly offered to be treasurer when Mavis Niblett steps down.
Jenny and Sue Stuart also thanked all those who supported and helped with the village show.
The title of Steve’s talk was ‘Birds in the Garden’.
To begin, Steve talked about how to facilitate birds in your garden. There are many layers in the garden which start with the lawn and go up to perennials, shrubs and trees. They allow birds to find cover and food and shelter. Don’t be too quick to remove them.
In winter, territories are being set up. Birds at this time need good predator cover and food and hedges and trees provide this. Berries on shrubs and trees such as pyracantha and holly can provide cover for nesting and roosting as well as food.
Bird boxes are very important in the garden but it is important to clean them out every year as some birds may overwinter in them.
A mixture of annuals and perennials help to keep the ground moist which is good for ground feeding birds. Small birds like the wren can nest in a log pile so don’t be too tidy and perhaps make a log pile for this purpose.
Bird feeders are good when natural food is not around say in late winter and early spring. Peanuts are enjoyed by the woodpecker and other woodland birds but it’s important to keep the feeders clean to avoid the spread of diseases. Steve suggested that suet balls are better than fat balls as they are softer and easier to digest.
Likewise, bird baths should be kept scrupulously clean and could even be cleaned and topped up with water twice a day.
Steve told us that the most adaptable bird is the Blue Tit. Along with Great Tits and Coal Tits. These are the birds more commonly seen in our gardens. Long- tailed Tits are not territorial and will make their own nests sewn together with cobwebs. An unpaired bird can help a nest making pair and become part of the extended family.
Steve went on to talk about specific birds and their habits.
The female wren for example doesn’t sing, only the males. They are the most ubiquitous birds and will nest in buildings, shrubs or the potting shed. The males make two nests so the females can choose. How sweet is that?
Interestingly, the female robin sings in winter but in summer they lose their sexuality. Juveniles can sing against their parents and arrive in large numbers from abroad.
Steve went on to talk about most of our garden and woodland birds at this time of year with regard to migration and how often they can be sighted in our gardens.
Every year there is a garden bird watch which is not only fascinating but means you can sit down with a cup of coffee in a quiet spot and enjoy observing these beautiful little creatures that honour us with a visit to our gardens. If you would like to see more images of birds that visit our gardens you can visit the RSPB website.
Jenny has booked Esseborne Manor for Christmas lunch this year. Members have been sent a copy of the menu which needs to be returned by October.
We are very fortunate that Cynthia Williams has very kindly offered to be treasurer when Mavis Niblett steps down.
Jenny and Sue Stuart also thanked all those who supported and helped with the village show.
