Some pictures of the new swallow chicks. They left the nest this morning. My son texted me early to say one was in the cat run. I got to it before letting the cats out. He/she unharmed but appeared stunned and sat on my hand for awhile, I whistled to mum and dad and they tweeted back, then little on...

The swallows have returned. I only saw one for the past week or so, it would perch on my washing line and we'd have a natter. Today I was sitting outside when he perched close by and we had a littler natter for a few minutes before he went into the shed and came out with his partner. I also met a bu...

They have now all left, a little sad but also happy they all survived, 8 new swallows in total, looking to get a wildlife camera for next year if they return.
Jan

I like to experiment with how small a pot (and therefore saving compost) I can get away with for the various plants and which part of my tiny garden they'll survive, (n.w. facing garden) and think of myself as a garden scientist.
Jan

Just been and checked on the babies and took my mobile for pics. Looks like 4 babies this time, the other 2 had 2 each, hopefully they get strong and manage the long journey to S. Africa end of Sept.
Jan

Thank you OH, I do hope they come back next year and remember where they are welcome. I will try and get some more photo's before they leave for Africa.
Jan

Bala town has 5 designated disabled parking spaces on the high street and every sunny day they are taken up with motorbikes, 2 or 3 per bay. During covid, a traffic warden was appointed and now the bays are kept clear for blue badge holders. My neighbor's and their visitors would regularly park outs...

Happy Birthday Stravaig, hope you have a wonderful day.

I am pleased to say brood number 2 also produced 2 chicks which left the nest just over a week ago and mum is sitting on her 3rd clutch of eggs. I think I may have to move my gardening tools and paraphernalia out of the shed for next year if I want to get gardening and let the swallows nest.
Jan

Gardening has very much been a hit and miss for me this wet year. Saying that some plants thrived even though I neglected them due to not getting out in the rain. But do I really need 20 tomato plants? 4 each of 5 different varieties which are just starting to turn red, could be due to the banana sk...

Happy Birthday OH.
Jan

A Very Happy Birthday Primrose

we have a large hill/mini mountain at the back of the village, covered in trees and I know the crows nest in the trees. I've heard an owl and woodpecker in the trees too. I haven't seen the red kites today, I have been watching out for them and so far only the 1 swallow, the male I think because mum...

Hello Primrose, I heard a lot of 'shouting' from the swallows so went to investigate. There were about 20 swallows flying around, I'm sure they all didn't come from my shed. I also saw 4 red kites on the hill, so the buzzards have moved out after all. Mum was still in the nest and surprisingly dad l...

Hi Primrose, I bought some peat free compost last year which was awful, I would have needed a continuous drip to keep it damp. This year I mixed the peat free with some old compost I had which did contain peat and it's worked really well for me. I am recycling the compost, I have bags of farm yard m...