This morning I was distracted from my reading by activity on the bird feeders.
Goldfinches, as usual, spilled more seed than they consumed;
they had to wait their turn on the sunflower seeds
as did dunnocks on the suet balls, where, until recently, with sparrows, they had ruled the roost.
Now the starlings, with their fluid speckled iridescence,
are the dominant bullies of the feeders.
On this chilly, dull, afternoon, Jackie worked at clearing the Oval Bed which contains this plant interred last year that has lost its label to the winds;
and placing pansies in the iron urn. This container was full of vine weevils which she had to extract before adding fresh compost and pansies. The additional flora she would normally have included at this time are unavailable because they are dying in closed garden centres on account of coronavirus regulations. Many of these outlets will not survive.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s rustic chicken and vegetable soup followed by her delicious
amber dried fruit lattice pie and custard.
OHMI. Your garden and cuisine…..way too devastating. We’re all arriving! Covid or no.
🙂 Thanks very much, Rayla
I had to look up vine weevil as I hadn’t heard of it before – we don’t have it here I’m glad to say. We do have the garden weevil which came via Australia from South Africa and dwells in the warmer parts of this country, which luckily isn’t down here in the Riviera of Antarctica 🙂 The fruit pie looks delicious!
Thanks very much, Pauline. I suppose that is some consolation for living in that particular riviera. Jackie bought a packet of dried fruit, softened the lot, and made lots of crumble as well as the pie.
Oh yum!!
As pretty as they might be, there is no denying that the starlings are bullies and lack even the most basic manners.
Thanks very much, Anne.
Boy do you get treated well!! One gourmet meal after another!!
🙂 Thanks very much, GP
Love seeing your bird visitors.
Thanks very much, Peggy.
Beautiful pie, and I am sure very tasty, My compliments to the Culinary Queen!
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Derrick, I would like to return all the starlings (and mute swans) that were imported from Europe. Can you direct me to where I can print a return address label. 🙂
The starlings have been destroying the suet cakes in my feeder – a fact appreciated by the squirrels who scoop up the fallen chunks. We have English house sparrows, too, but they’re polite.
Everyone seems to have a bird nemesis. Mine is the house sparrow. They have a long history of tormenting my precious bluebirds. Their actions have brought me to tears on many occasions.
I haven’t seen a bluebird since I visited relatives in New England. Such lovely colors!
I have never seen a bluebird.
They certainly dominate our feeders when the starlings are absent. Poor Ron robin is often reduced to scavenging on the ground.
Oh, they are so pretty – such a beautiful shade of blue and a rust colored tummy. And their song is so sweet! We have a lot of woods and fields around here, so they are here.
Try a collar, Jean – but you would need a great deal 🙂 Thanks very much.
I have got to stop reading your posts before dinner, Derrick. My mouth is watering over Jackie’s meal. I loved your bird photos! For me, watching the birds is a great stress reliever.
Thanks very much, Jill. 🙂
Well, someone needs to teach the starlings some manners.
Great captures Derrick.
Be safe.
Thanks a lot, Drew. You too. (No comments box on your recent posts?)
Starlings are handsome and talented birds.
I agree, not unhappy to see them as their numbers fell recently.
Indeed, Tootlepedal. Now the coastal cafés are closed they are probably seeking other eating places. Thanks very much.
I enjoyed seeing the feeder activity, and those are some handsome starlings! I am sorry for the garden centers that will probably go under, and all those lost plants.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. One of the lesser known tragedies of the plague.
I can see why the birds love to visit you. Fab photos of them too.
Thanks very much, Sheree
You’ve captured the starlings feathers perfectly. It’s late and I nearly said ‘their foliage’ – perhaps you’d have known what I meant! The pie looks just up my street.
I would have, indeed, Susan. Thanks very much
Starlings are the most stunning birds.
They certainly are. Thanks very much, Gary.
I love your goldfinches (and ours) – although they are completely different birds.
So sad to think of all the garden centers with lovely plants that no one can buy. It’s such an odd time – everything needs rethinking. I suspect (hope) that we will all come out of this kinder and wiser.
I hope so, Jodie. Thanks very much
<3
Nice post Derrick. A lot of restaurants be closed, but good to know you and Jackie kept your’s open for all your bird patrons!
🙂 Thanks very much, Gary
Ah the poor birds have their bullies too. Starlings are awful and kind of greasy looking. I’ve tried to impute good to them and I can’t. Ah, well, your stellar meal was unaffected. I think I am going to make my Aunt Zelma’s chocolate pie to quell my sweet tooth.
Thanks very much, Lisa. Enjoy the pie 🙂
Life after the coronavirus is going to be very tough for the small business to restart again owners Derrick
Quite so, Ivor. Our son and daughter-in-law have a village shop which relies heavily on the café which they have had to close. Thanks very much.
I’m sad about the plants dying at the garden centers. The least they could do is put them outside to take their chances. But your garden and birds are certainly well cared for. We do what we can.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. I had the same thought about putting plants outside. They could even have an honesty box.
Good idea! An honesty box could inspire people. It wouldn’t hurt to make the suggestion. If it’s not too late.
Unfortunately it is not considered essential shopping and we wouldn’t be allowed to go out for them
Sigh. Thanks for being responsible.
We have just heard that a young employee of an outlet is canvassing to learn if there would be any takers for a home delivery service. Jackie has responded with enthusiasm.
YES! I hope it works out!
Sparrows are the gentlest of fighters who shun the ring easily. I feel like turning into a fluid speckled iridescent being to the amber dried fruit lattice pie and custard!
🙂 I’m pleased you picked up the colours, Uma. Thanks very much.
Starlings, Sparrows and Goldfinches are everywhere here – just more of the many European animal that were brought to Australia and became pests.
Regarding plant nurseries – my sister works in one which is closed for the duration, but she goes in everyday for about an hour to water everything.
Thanks very much, John. Good for your sister.
What lovely bird and flower pictures.
Thank you very much, Mrs W.
Your welcome
Bird watching is a fascinating activity and especially when waiting for the perfect shot to appear.
Supper sounded delicious.
Thank you very much, Sue. Chicken instead of ham 🙂
Love it 🙂
We’re very lucky that our best garden shop still is open. There are reduced hours, and they’ve changed some of their procedures, but I think I might make a trip over there to purchase a plant or two for my patio, and help them out. They’re quite knowledgeable about native plants, particularly, and I’ve used their organic landscape soil for years — every plant I know likes to wiggle its toes down into it! Here it is. If you’d like a quick overview, click on “view gallery” on the home page.
We both looked at the link, Linda. Jackie was sorry to see they don’t do deliveries :). Thanks very much.
Life goes on in BirdWorld! And I’m so glad! Great photos! 🙂
We are enjoying watching the birds around our home and the bunnies in the yard. Even saw a baby lizard on a walk yesterday. I wonder if he would like to eat some vine weevils. ??? 🙂
I’m so glad nature is “feeding” us emotionally these trying days.
Jackie is keeping you well fed! 😉 🙂
That pie! Oh, my! 😮 😀
(((HUGS))) and eat a slice of pie for me! 🙂
Thanks you very much, Carolyn. Will do 🙂 X
You have a lovely place in which to be confined–flowers, birds–and that pie!
Very many thanks, Merril
Jackie’s lattice pie looks scrumptious.
It was, Cindy. Thanks very much.
Starlings might be bullies, but they are beautiful. And, oh, that pie! I could have a piece right now. I’m thinking it’s time to make some cinnamon pie-dough knots. Jackie has inspired me. Maybe this afternoon.
🙂 Thanks very much, Laurie
The single starling on the seed feeder has a look of an avian Fagin to me ….
🙂 Thanks very much, Osyth
Nice to see starlings, they are getting rarer. This, I know, is little compensation for them chasing everything off. Those pansies are a wonderful colour combination.
I feel sorry for the family-run garden centres but have less sympathy for the gift shops with flowers that many of the big chains have now become.
Agreed. A young man in Chichester is asking whether people would like a home delivery service for bedding plants. Jackie has responded with enthusiasm.. Thanks a lot, Quercus.
That’s a nice delivery service. Market traders in Nottingham are offering deliveries too. Julia is going to order some from the plantsman. So much better than the impersonal supermarket services, which let us down when we needed them. Gardeners, it seems, will always find a way. 🙂
Beautiful watching the little birds and their behaviour 🐦 😉
Can I have a slice of that wonderful pie please?
I’d love your views on the pie, Ribana. Thanks very much.
Pie, and custard! I swoon! 😀
🙂 Can’t be beaten, Widders. Thanks very much.
😀
What a life Derrick.
Stay safe and be blessed.
Thank you very much, Rupali. You, too
Thanks so much, Laurie. X
Oooh, pie! The starling’s speckled plumage is just beautiful, but my favorite out of this group is the black-and-white. What an arresting image!
I really like starlings, despite them being bullies. We are over-run by wood-pigeons and are overlooked by a rookery. Both those groups of birds cause much more trouble to us than the now rare starling.
We have been wondering why the garden centres can’t put their stock out in their car-parks for us to buy. As everyone is being encouraged to stay at home, what else is there for us garden-owners to do other than garden? I would say that growing our own fruit and veg was a necessary job and buying compost etc was therefore also necessary. However, we have heard that one of our local garden centres has started deliveries and we are going to phone in an order. Beautiful photos as ever, Derrick!
Garden centres elsewhere are doing something similar. Maybe it will happen here. Thanks very much, Clare.
I hope so!
What a splendid photo of the starling facing you with a seed in its mouth. You also included a black and white that works very well. You must have an eye for it, because you seem to choose so well for the B&W. I am somewhat frustrated at the lack of access to nurseries. I need to replace a fruit tree, but can’t. Well, that is what we call over here #firstworldproblems
Thank you so much, Crystal. I like what you say about B/W