Springwatch

I think we would call this early summer watch but who are we to argue with the BBC

The nuthatches are nesting under the eaves

a few metres from the bird feeders and their favourite ash tree

busy bringing out fecal sacs

We thought the tit population was spurning the nest boxes but inside this one

are these

blue tits a day or two old (don’t worry, the handler has all the qualifications and licenses needed for this)

The neighbouring box

has a less happy contents

one dead flycatcher chick – what happened is not clear but there is an active flycatcher brood in a box higher up the plot.

Meanwhile Shelia takes his harem for an afternoon free range promenade

as buzzards watch overhead

The middle ducklings are flaunting their adults feathers

and the neighbours cattle, having spent many months indoors, have their first day of freedom – guided by the white bull

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

Getting close

Family visitors are enjoying getting close to the animals

The piglets are starting to take interest in solid food – including grass

But they still see Spot is the main source of food

Bert

keeps an eye

(or a nose) on them through the fence

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

Pigs with sticks

Pigs with sticks:

Pigs without sticks

A pig with orange legs

A guinea pig

Things that aren’t pigs

Ducks, young ducks, ducklings

We are struggling as how to differentiate.

We have ducks

and things we thought were ducklings

until we had…

which are obviously ducklings, so what do we call the inbetweeners?

The “ducks” house has been moved to new grass

and the Guineas are also getting accustomed to their transhumance

Down in the pig zone the newcomers are being introduced to carrots

which we have in reserve

and boots

and manual reassurance

Spot’s babies don’t need any reassurance

knowing that their mum is top of the league

Meanwhile the male flycatcher is on watch

checking what is happening inside his box

We are keeping track of self-sown oaks

and the meadow is doing quite well considering the grass is still vigorous

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

It is all due to the Guinea Pigs…

As the sun goes down over Gribin Isaf tonight

the guinea pigs are relishing their summer quarters

after complaining their shed was getting hot and stuffy.

In order for them to move grass had to be cut

which pleased Spot

and, after digestion, her babies

one of whom was even moved to a thank you

Earlier Spot needed to cool her lower regions

after fantasising that she had given birth to zebras

She was pacified by being put in charge of the newly moved feed bins

Elsewhere on the pig front Bina enjoyed a bit of hands on

while Bert spent the day mainly lying down

Meanwhile…

The neighbouring sheep have all left the lower pastures as the upland grass can now sustain them

the rabbits get ready for their daily task of nibbling holes in the hen netting

and Twit and Woo, having overnight been moved from their exclusive quarters to being part of Floppy’s flock, stage a chair top protest

A clutch of our duck eggs are hatching. We were trying not to intervene and as a result the first one did not make the final step

We are now busy helping out the others.

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

Out and About

Yesterday we ventured off the plot to visit the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Spring Festival.

It was a bit overwhelming with more breeds of hens, sheep, pigs and goats then we knew existed. We came home with a number of treasures including…

two free oak trees

some produce from Samosaco

having eaten amazing food at their stall the mother assured us that she made most of their products at home from a small aubergine.

and, having just about resisted the temptation to buy more hens, some hatching eggs

due to go in the incubator with a collection of our own

plus a hay rake

which was put to use this evening

finishing off our first scythe cut lawn

Meanwhile down in the pig field Spot is, as always, quite keen on dinner

while she eats her offspring have a chance to try out solid food

before she comes and claims their rations for herself

before asking Bert if he has any leftovers to spare

But her family don’t seem malnourished. Victoria, the runt, is keeping pace with her siblings

who generally seem quite rotund

and also find time to pay Dad a visit

Bina and Lottie have a less stressful dinner

We come in from pig duties to find a neighbourly gift

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

If you are going broody this is where you will spend your days

Egg powered mower

We now have the most efficient mowing machine

just feed in a few eggs for breakfast and it keeps going all day.

Down in the pig field Bert is keen for his dinner

afterwards he takes his bucket to bed and settles down for the night

Lottie and Bina fill up too

and are then ready for a tummy massage

The litter take an interest in Mum’s bucket

and are starting to recognise their own feed

and afterwards…

Second spring round we know our visitors and they know their place.

The woodpecker, of course, has never gone away and the peanut feeder is cleared of all other traffic when he decides to arrive

but we have the same three swallows having the same arguments as last year

hopefully, like last year, number four will arrive to restore equilibrium.

The same flycatcher has returned

and is busy around the same nestbox

And the same wagtails are back

rather put out that blackbirds have taken their back of the house spot and have to find a different place at the front.

Meanwhile the local sheep are herded up the hill

as the grass slowly gets going upon the tops

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

Hands on pigs

The two new arrivals are becoming part of the family

Meanwhile Spot has her family well organised

and Bert thinks his new house is just as good for sleeping as his old house

The ducklings are wondering when they can join the big ducks

and Twit is worried she might soon be moved into the care of Floppy the cockerel

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

Accommodation available

Bedding brought in

last minute decorating done

bedroom all ready

Elsewhere the neighbouring lambs are recovering from their notching

and Golden Boy goes for recycling

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw:

Bert moves house

Today Bert left his quagmire and was escorted…

to pastures new

where hopefully his tail can recover

plus for the first time for many a month he can exchange snuffles with Spot

She introduces him to his progeny

on whom he can now keep a watchful eye

In a couple of weeks they have expanded considerably

and have grown out of the cuddles they once had

Lottie and Bina continue to settle down in their new home

Enjoying the soft grass before they root it all up

Pethan eraill yn y tyddyn heddiw: