Mr Woodie caught in the act

Mr Woodie was caught red handed today on the picnic table pinching the cherry from my fruit cake. He's been getting increasingly bold these last few days so I'm pretty convinced he has chicks to feed nearby.
Vocal Mr Nuthatch

Phil attacked!

Poor Phil the Pheasant got attacked today. Not by a vicous dog or even the farmer but by this little chappy below. He looks so sweet sat there munching on his nuts. Until he spotted Phil that is, when he instantly changed into a demon squirrel possessed! Pool Phil didn't know what hit him as cutey pie here lept on his head from above. It was all over in a few seconds though and apart from a few ruffled feathers no one was hurt.

The Nuthatches are finally getting their breeding colours although I'm sure they are already raising a chick. And the woodpecker's been showing well today too, with loads of visits to the feeder. I so hope they have some chicks too.

Pale Nuthatches

I've noticed this year that our Nuthatches are a lot paler than usual. I'd heard that migratory birds tend to be paler when they arrive but ours are resident all year. Surely they should be in their breeding plumage by now?