Robins Show Me Their New Nest

My Robins failed in their first attempt to raise a family, they built a nest in a bank of soil inside half a plastic bottle,this was  at ground level and very vulnerable,the young were taken overnight by an unknown predator. Yesterday they took me to a new nest,they still favor ground nesting, this time in a black plant pot . I could just make out three very young chicks ,the parents were not phased by my presence and took worms from my hand to pass to their young,

First nest not good

Dad proudly shows me new nest site

Not a safe place even a Grass Snake could find this

Robin not worried about me

Sad Sight This Morning

We have been awaiting the first sighting of Fox cubs this year, unfortunately I discovered this sight on the allotments this morning ,I think they may have eaten something like a mouse or rat that had been poisoned.This is bad news as the Rabbit population is booming at the lower part of  Tredegar.

On the path at rear of my plot

In the middle of Graemes patch

Found in the place I photographed the Foxes last year

No injuries apparant

Invasive Weed

An invasive weed has begun to appear on Tredegar,commonly and locally called Thanet Weed and as a plant known as Hoary Cress. It has become a problem all over the south of England on agricultural land, seedlings are kept under control by regular hoeing,mature plants should be completely removed or killed using glysophate, weedkiller do not compost as this will increase it’s germination.

These plants are now about to flower and should be killed or removed

To late to hoe when this size

Thanet Weed, very strong and upright

Robins Visit

There are about six pairs of Robins on Tredegar all very territorial, I have a couple on my plot but they also regard my house and garden as their territory.They have been around since last year and they raised seven chicks in two broods,they allowed me to get very close to the nest and took worms from my hand and passed them on to their young.So they have come to regard me as a friend and are always at my window first light,as of this week we have had the window open and they have decided to come in and find their own breakfast

Sitting comfortably

On our conservatory table

On our home patio after morning bath

Amongst the Pear blossom

On our plot