Garden Birds and wild birds thread.

Lovebitesandeveryfing said:
O.k. here's what throwing everybody. Threw me too, at first.
Look very closely at the bird facing us. Now I know that oystercatchers have long bills, that's their main working tool. I too thought that that bird had a short pigeon-like beak, but it doesn't. It has its bill tucked neatly under its wing, the way birds do when they're sleeping, or dozing. The bird also looks too plump to be an oystercatcher, I agree. But I think that's just a trick of perspective, the angle that the photo is taken from, or perhaps due to the fact that the bird is sitting on the ground. That sometimes plumps up a bird's plumage. Also, I don't know if this is significant, but the photo was taken in July. That is, in the dead of winter, as far as NZ is concerned. Some animals change shape according to the seasons.
I saw those birds many times along the whole five-day hike down the Abel Tasman trail. They were basically in every bay that I came across. And there are a lot of bays and coves of all sizes along that trail. I was told by locals that they were oystercatchers. We really need a Kiwi on here at this point.
Calling @NZBlue?
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I reckon you're right with the Oystercatchers. The variable variety are often black so probably one of those
 
Lovebitesandeveryfing said:
O.k. here's what throwing everybody. Threw me too, at first.
Look very closely at the bird facing us. Now I know that oystercatchers have long bills, that's their main working tool. I too thought that that bird had a short pigeon-like beak, but it doesn't. It has its bill tucked neatly under its wing, the way birds do when they're sleeping, or dozing. (Click on the photo, then enlarge it fully. You'll see). The bird also looks too plump to be an oystercatcher, I agree. But I think that's just a trick of perspective, the angle that the photo is taken from, or perhaps due to the fact that the bird is sitting on the ground. That sometimes plumps up a bird's plumage. Also, I don't know if this is significant, but the photo was taken in July. That is, in the dead of winter, as far as NZ is concerned. Some animals change shape according to the seasons.
I saw those birds many times along the whole five-day hike down the Abel Tasman trail. They were basically in every bay that I came across. And there are a lot of bays and coves of all sizes along that trail. I was told by locals that they were oystercatchers. We really need a Kiwi on here at this point.
Calling @NZBlue?
Click to expand...
Yeh, I can see it now, oyc it is.
 
Posted about this in another thread I think, can't remember which one.
I thought I had a bird interested in nesting in my hedge so I wasn't going to cut it.
Anyway, they have moved in, a pair of blackbirds. I'm chuffed to fuck. Seen them coming and going all day, with stuff in their beaks.
I've been to pet world or whatever its called and spent a small fortune on bird feeders and suchlike. I've even put a bowl of water out for them.
Glad I didn't cut the hedge now.
 
yeseye said:
All day they’re singing!
Is that normal as I’m usually at work all day ?
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There's stuff going on in my garden I was completely oblivious of until a few weeks ago. Birds, squirrels all going about their business. It's brilliant. I almost feel I'm intruding on them and it's my garden!
I've even got the camera out, been photographing the squirrels, they don't seem to mind me now, I can get quite close.
I'd post some pics but I'm useless with computery
 
oddfellows said:
Had a Sparrowhawk perched on the fence the other today, amazing bird.
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I haven't seen any birds of prey yet in mine. Maybe because I'm in a rural location and there's easy pickings elsewhere?
I see them all the time when out riding.
 
crublue1 said:
I haven't seen any birds of prey yet in mine. Maybe because I'm in a rural location and there's easy pickings elsewhere?
I see them all the time when out riding.
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Mrs has about 3 bird feeders, she fills them daily, greedy buggers them birds, so naturally a feeding ground for the Sparrowhawk.
 
oddfellows said:
Mrs has about 3 bird feeders, she fills them daily, greedy buggers them birds, so naturally a feeding ground for the Sparrowhawk.
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That must cost a fair bit, judging by what I spent in pets are us or whatever its called.
Daft but genuine question, what does she fill them with and where does she get it?
Sorry I know your now gonna have to ask the Mrs lol.
I'd like to keep feeding them but the cost seems to be a bit mad for what is after all just a bit of seed.
Cheers
 
crublue1 said:
That must cost a fair bit, judging by what I spent in pets are us or whatever its called.
Daft but genuine question, what does she fill them with and where does she get it?
Sorry I know your now gonna have to ask the Mrs lol.
I'd like to keep feeding them but the cost seems to be a bit mad for what is after all just a bit of seed.
Cheers
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High energy bird no mess 12 seed blend (I looked on the bag) and mealworms mixed together and yes, it costs a packet from a local pet shop.
NATURES FEAST HIGH ENERGY NO MESS 12 SEED BLEND 12.75KG WESTLAND
 
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crublue1 said:
That must cost a fair bit, judging by what I spent in pets are us or whatever its called.
Daft but genuine question, what does she fill them with and where does she get it?
Sorry I know your now gonna have to ask the Mrs lol.
I'd like to keep feeding them but the cost seems to be a bit mad for what is after all just a bit of seed.
Cheers
Click to expand...

Haith's is a good bet for buying in bulk and for information. Depends how much you get through and whether you have the storage.
 
crublue1 said:
That must cost a fair bit, judging by what I spent in pets are us or whatever its called.
Daft but genuine question, what does she fill them with and where does she get it?
Sorry I know your now gonna have to ask the Mrs lol.
I'd like to keep feeding them but the cost seems to be a bit mad for what is after all just a bit of seed.
Cheers
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Have a look at 'Peckish Complete' bird seed on Amazon, various size bags on there. Your blackbirds will want food on the ground, sultanas, pears, suet nibbles. When they've got young a great thing to put out is live mealworms. Usually have to go online for those but you might find one or two pet shops will stock them.
 
Amazed at the number of small birds in our garden and how "brave" they're becoming; flying and landing very close to us. It's so beautiful to see. We have two robins and even now, at the sprightly age of 52, the sight of a robin gladdens the heart. Sparrows, blackbirds, bluetits, wood pigeons, magpies. Wonderful.
 
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