Mid-winter Bits and Bobs - 2016/17

[Primrose]

I think one of the nicer aspects of the frost is seeing the huge number of cobwebs which suddenly come out of their invisibility and show up gleaming in the sunshine. I looked out on my Hills Hoist washing airer the other day and it was absolutely covered in sparkling cobwebs. Better than any artificial Christmas tree decorations! Makes you realise just how many spiders there are out there. It amused me to watch the bluetits flying around peering trying to find their prey. Spiders' lurking places are obviously more conspicuous when the frost shows them up.

[PLUMPUDDING]

You're doing well OH you actually know what day it is it will probably be next week when I'm back to normal.

[robo]

Bought five new chickens today went to the plot to introduce them to our remaining ones to find another one dead I've spent the day blocking every tiny hole up as well as rebaiting the three traps I've bought going back shortly to make sure they are all locked up for the night o.k.

[Primrose]

Hope you manage to deter the raider Robo. Don't want your newcomers to feel they!ve entered the house of horrors. Distressing for you and the other birds.

[robo]

When I returned to the plot to check that the new chickens had been allowed into the shed by the old ones I noticed one of the traps had sprung as I had covered the baited end of the traps with plastic shopping bags to stop the chickens pecking the baite I could not see what had sprung the door but as I pulled the bag back I was amazed at the polecat I had caught, it was not happy it was hissing and attempting to bite anything with in its grasp, hopefully the problem is solved this thing has killed 13 chickens that I know of

[Primrose]

That's amazing robo. They are very difficult creatures to catch. Are we allowed to ask what you did with it ?

[oldherbaceous]

Well done Robo, job done.....

[Westi]

Wow! Robo you got it! Well done - don't forget the picture. The only Polecat I've seen in real life was a bit of fur under a log in a mini zoo.

[robo]

I can't say what happened to it I intended to take it for a ride but I was warned about the smell it omitted I have no sense of smell but the reaction of one of my mates was enough to stop me putting it in my car ,no photos it was dark and for some reason the flash on my phone camera failed I have around five pictures but all are dark

[Westi]

Awe no pic! Has it gone to heaven full of chicken dinner? Never mind, don't have to answer...

[robo]

This thing weighed in at around three pounds it must have been over 2 feet long any chicken would not stand a chance how it escaped out of the first trap (if it did) I can't imagine it was/is a solid lump, I will ask tomorrow if any oneelse got its picture

[Westi]

Perfect Killers! Got to admire nature - sometimes from a distance! Do you think there may be more than one having a Kentucky take out then?

[robo]

I hope not westi, my traps are still set although the chickens are very interested in them, nothing in the traps today and the chickens seem happier than they have for the last week

[Shallot Man]

Nice frosty morning, second one on the trot.

[robo]

Cold, wet and miserable here