Blogger boob.

This is not a new blogg as such.

Anybody who has read my previous effort would notice the title,( Jacdaws evicted) but would find nothing relating to the subject.

The fault is all mine, so now we,ll try to bring some sense to it.

On Saturday Warwick came up to borrow my ladder to clear the Jackdaws nest from the village hall roof and he and I went over to do same, we cleared the outside then went to do the same in the hall.

Getting the ladder up to the trap we then discovered, ( not unexpectedly ) that the nest material extended over the trap which was part lifted with some difficulty to give us access and we proceeded to remove it until warwick could gain access to the roof space and complete the task, amongst much dust and debris.

The rubbish removed filled 5/6 barrowloads and was removed to the garden area, this rubbish consisting of mainly very dry sticks could have become a fire hazard in time.

I then came home and proceeded to do my blogg giving it as I thought an appropriate title, got to the end, posted it then found I had written nothing about it. Senior moment!!!!!., Will try to do better in future.

Evicting Jackdaws.

6/8/10.

Sitting quietly today having a rest when there was a smack on the ground in front of my feet followed by a Blue Tit which took one look at me and promptly departed leaving behind a Lime Hawk Moth caterpillar, I dont know what the Tit thought it was going to do with it as it was nearly as big as him , a couple of inches long with a long hook on the back, quite a mouthfull!.

7/8/10.

A Curlew flew over Morrisons car park this morning, the first I have seen since the spring.

8/8/10.

A Curlew calling over the valley today.

9/8/10.

Two young Song Thrushes and A Chiff Chaff in the garden at lunchtime.

14/8/10.

A Heron flew up the valley this morning. later two Long Tailed Tits on the feeder.

15/8/10.

Green and Gt Spotted Woodpeckers calling today, many Swallows(high) and a Peregrine over the garden mid afternoon.

19/8/10.

Walked over the downs to Kemyel today, Blackcaps in the blackthorn.

20/8/10.

Reports of an Otter by the bridge below the mill shop, unconfirmed.

29/8/10.

A Tawny Owl roosting in a Larch tree today, seen on our Sunday walk.

31/8/10.

Several Long Tailed Tits on the feeders today, but did not stay.

9/9/10.

Walked to Carn Barges, a Kestrel and a possible Merlin, a Pheasant exploded from cover almost beneath my feet, Gannets offshore and a Seal in the cove.

12/9/10.

Porthgwarra. A late Swift and a Kestrel, Gannets, Shag, Gulls, a Seal in the cove.

14/9/10.

A Sparrow Hawk over Treverven.

17/9/10.

A Heron flew down the valley early morning.

19/9/10.

A Green Woodpecker on the back lawn feeding on ants, Common Sandpiper along foreshore near Carn Barges.

26/9/10.

Walked to Carn Barges and back to the cove, Gannets, Cormorant Oystercatchers ,one being harassed by a raptor, probably a Sparrowhawk. Rock Pippits and several Grey Wagtails including one in the garden when I got Home, A Dipper by the bridge the first i,ve seen for some time.

A quiet time of year

Not a lot to report as I have not been out much, been doing some work on the Landrover and also clearing parts of the garden, hope that things will begin to pick up now that autumn is approaching.
26/6/10.
A Heron flew down the valley early this morning, heard it calling and then it emerged from the mist. A family of Blue Tits in the garden, the adults being kept very busy feeding their young.
30/6/10.
Today I watched a life and death drama in my garden, a predator had caught its prey which was doing its utmost to escape and at one stage actually did so only to be seized again and dragged off to the predators lair, had this been on the African veldt it would have been the subject of a wildlife documentary and shown to millions but this took place in the corner of a window in an outhouse between a spider about a half inch across (including legs!) and what I believe was a predatory wasp approx three quarters of an inch long, the spider won !.
1/7/10.
A flock 0f young Goldfinches in the back garden this morning, looking tatty as they are moulting into adult plumage.
18/7/10.
Today was the first of our sunday walks 16 people in total and they seemed to enjoy it, not a lot to see but Manx Shearwaters in good numbers off Kemyel Point.
20/7/10.
A female Wolf spider carrying its egg case on the rear of its body seen in the grass this morning.
23/7/10.
I watched a Swallow today playing with a feather, for about ten minutes it kept taking it high in the air and releasing it and chasing it down until it caught it just above the ground and then repeating the operation many times, Swift and House Martins also on the wing.
25/7/10.
14 people on the walk the only thing of real interest was a mixed flock of Gannets and Manx Shearwaters feeding off Carn Barges, people seem to be more interested in the plants which we see, good thing ! as they dont fly away.
1/8/10.
A wet misty day 6 people on the walk, 2 Common Sandpipers off Carn Barges and a juvenile Whitethroat on the way back to the cove.
3/8/10.
Another very wet misty start to the day,I was out and close to a Buddleia bush in full bloom and suprised at the lack of butterflies, until the rain stopped and within minutes it was smothered,Red Admirals were the most numerous with Painted Ladies and Whites and also many bees.

Summer.

2/6/10.

On the way to Penzance this morning I saw a Kestrel over the fields between Sheffield and the Ring and Thimble, this was the first sighting I have had for some time as it seems they have abandoned their usual nest site in the NE quarry.

8/6/10.

I saw a Skylark this morning between the Maidens and St Buryan turn but have not heard any singing, this used to be frequent when I was younger but sadly this is no longer so.

A small party of Bullfinches between between Treveren and Sparnon cross, also today I found a Blue Tits nest in an old iron cooking pot hanging on a fence.

13/6/10.

Walked to carn Barges today, nothing to report on the bird front but Honeysuckle and Elder are coming into flower as are Stonecrop,Pennywort, Sea Beet and Bittersweet.

18/6/10.

A Greenwoodpecker in the garden today, a Tawny Owl calling at 10.15 in the morning at Boskenna, also at Boskenna a Swallow took exception to my presence and proceeded to dive bomb me as I was walking through a particular area, presume it had a nest nearby.

21/6/10.

walked to Carn Barges, Goldfinches, Long Tailed Tits, Linnets a flock of Guillemot 15/20 strong a long way offshore. Royal Fern leafing up.

22/6/10.

3 Gt Spotted Woodpeckers on one feeder in the garden !! a tight fit.

Buzzards

18/5/10.
While at Treverven today I watched 2 Buzzards displaying, they started high up and tumbled over and over at times locking talons, they fell almost to the ground and then headed off.
20/5/10.
The Sparrows are still visiting the feeders but no sign of any young.
Did my usual walk today not a lot happening but Orange Tip butterfly on the wing and Yellow Flag Irises in flower. Off Lamorna Point Gannets were feeding.
21/5/10.
Toad tadpoles in the ornamental pond a Boskenna gathered along the water line feeding on algae. We have a young Robin who comes visiting most days, getting very bold feeding from Jo,s hand and sitting on her knee.
24/5/10.
Walked to Carn Barges ,along the coast path and back up through the woods.
Hawthorns now coming into flower, also called May, it is said to be unlucky to bring it into the house, Foxgloves starting to bloom and Honeysuckle showing colour on the buds.
The Buzzard at the nest on the cliffs was showing but difficult to see saw my first House Martins of the year , they seem to be scarce here this year, Swallows, Linnets and a possible Sedge Warbler, audible only. May bugs in the garden.
28/5/10.
Clearing some growth in a damp area at Boskenna found 1 adult and 2 young Frogs, 2 young Toads and numerous common Newts, pictures will be on Piccassa.
30/5/10.
Walking today to Carn Barges Linnets, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaff, Blackcap, Song Thrush, Goldfinch and Whitethroats.A flock of around a hundred Gannet were feeding very close in off Carn Barges, so close you could see the bubble trails as they were diving underwater but could not see what they were feeding on .
The Buzzard on the nest was showing well today, it appears to be a well fledged young bird almost ready to fly. As I was walking back to the cove I came over a small rise close to the cross and almost stepped on a young Raven, I not sure who was the most suprised !!.
In a wet place found Water Forget Me Not in flower and along the cliff path Scabious are showing colour.

Pheasant.

4/5/10.
Today at Treverven I saw my first Swift this year.
9/5/10.
The Apple trees that grow along the path to Carn Barges and on the cliffs are now coming into flower, they produce very little fruit as they live in harsh conditions.
Bugle,Dog Daises,Kidney vetch and the first threads of Dodder are appearing.
On the bird front a Mallard drake, Moorhen, Blackcap, Linnet and Willow Warbler, there are young Robins in the garden.
11/5/10.
Two duck flew over the valley early this morning, probably Mallard, I had to take the Landrover for its MOT today and I always put my bike in the back and ride home along the sea wall from Marazion to Penzance and today I had the company of Swallows flying along at my side.
17/5/10.
Walked to Carn Barges this morning and saw Mallard (2), Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff and a Buzzard at the nest site on the cliffs, on the path a Pheasant chick appeared at my feet and I managed to catch it, while in my hand it let out a loud cheep and the mother came out of the undergrowth and proceeded to put on her broken wing act and led me off along the path until she was satisfied her brood were safe. A small lizard ran across the path on the way back to the cove. Counted 19 Purple Orchids in flower.

White Bluebells

White Bluebell

13/4/10.
Today I walked to Carn Barges and there were Willow Warblers in the Willow carr also Chiff Chaff and Goldfinches.
More Bluebells in flower.
A f ew weeks ago spotted what I thought might be a Buzzards nest on the cliffs and this morning there were 2 birds at the site but early days yet they could still decide to go elsewhere.
Gannets over the sea and a Raven and a Sparrowhawk along the cliff path, a Pheasant calling.
15/4/10.
A report of a possible Red Backed Shrike in the Lamorna area today, the person who saw it took some pictures, photos to follow ( hopefully)!. A pair of Goldcrests in the garden today.
18/4/10.
At Marazion today a pair of Mallard with 15 young
23/4/10.
Found a Blackbirds nest today with 2 eggs.
24/4/10.
A Sparrowhawk over the garden early this morning.
25/4/10.
Did a walk through Tregurno, Rosemodress and Tregiffian then back via the Maidens and Rocky lane, very little to see just the usual. On the road bv the maidens we saw Eric Care driving his pony and trap.
29/4/10.
Today a young Robin flew into our lounge window but no damage done flew off with an adult.
1/5/10.
St Marks flies on the wing, Im not sure about their correct name can never find them in a guide but this is their local name, the fishermen say the fishing is good when they are about.
2/5/10.
Sparrows and Goldfinches in the garden this morning, Swallows over Chygurno and along the cliffs. Bluebells now numerous on the path to Carn Barges and on the cliffs also Spring Squill,
Foxgloves in bud, Bladder and Sea Campion flowering 1 white Bluebell and a lot of Thrift.
Three Cornered Leek everywhere, I know its a nuisance in the garden but I like it.
The Whitethroats have now returned and are busy on the cliffs,a male Blackcap singing, 1 Moorhen heard but not seen 1 Canada Goose.
On the way back through the woods Early Purple orchids (7) Garlic Mustard also known as Jack by the Hedge and Pendulous Sedge, the various species of ferns are now coming into leaf ,the new growth looking like Bishops Croziers .
Along the lane by home Shining Cranesbill and in the back garden Ladies Mantle also known as Cuckoo flower.

Sunday walk.

7/4/10.

Two Swallows over Huers this morning and later along the cliffs above coast path, Pheasants calling along the path from Huers to Carn Barges also Chiff Chaffs a drake Mallard and a Canada Goose.

Along the coast path Song Thrush, Goldfinches and 3 Linnets, a Cormorant perched unusually high on the rocks above the cove, 12 Fulmar on the ledges.

Stitchwort in flower and Blackthorn just starting, first Bluebells below Carn Barges(3) a male Blackcap singing by the Mill Shop.

Sparrows are visiting regularly, a Goldcrest in the garden at lunchtime was the first I have seen for sometime I thought perhaps the cold had killed them off, also a Chiff Chaff in the garden

Banded Snails in good numbers on the cliff path and 3 Slugs.

Alexanders blooming in the more sheltered places.

Swallows at Boskenna and a Sycamore in almost full leaf.

11/4/10.

Led a walk today through the Kemyel farms and back along the coast path, 11 of us and 1 Jack Russell ,still muddy in places and birds scarce Swallows and Chiffs, we had a young girl with us and when we reached the woods at the Crease a Robin came to feed from her hand, Bladder Campion in flower.

12/4/10.

Tawny Owls calling at first light also a Pheasant across the valley, Song Thrush, Chiff Chaff and a Green Woodpecker

Swallows.

30/3/10.
Made a rough count of the Rooks nests today 115 but there may be more to come,Long Tailed Tits and Chiff Chaff around the garden and Jays in the woods.
31/3/10.
On the way to Carn Barges Chiff Chaff are now more often seen and heard, 5 Moorhen.
Gannets offshore and a Seal in the cove.
2/4/10.
I have had two reports of Hoopoe in the last couple of days, one at Tregiffian and another in the Bottalack area, unfortunately this one died.
3/4/10.
Returning from Penzance this morning a flock of 20/30 Swallows between Red House and Trevelloe Carn and 2 over Bossava early afternoon.
4/4/10.
Two Swallows flew over the valley this morning also a Sparrow Hawk high over the downs.

Cowslips.

11/3/10

The Gt Spotted Woodpeckers are drumming often and the Greens are calling most mornings.

13/3/10.on the road

On the way to town this morning picked up a dead badger on the road at Chywoonne Grove and put it over the hedge.

15/3/10.

A lot of birdsong this morning, Chaffinch,Greenfinch,Goldfinch, Songthrush, Robin, Blackbird and Dunnock. On the way to Carn Barges this morning 6/8 Moorhen 1 Grey Heron, Ravens 15 Fulmar, Celandine and Scurvy Grass blooming, possible Buzzards nest.

16/3/10.

Gt Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, R00ks have young in the nest, have found discarded shell under the trees.

20/3/10.

Marazion, Swallows and Sand Martins over the marsh, good numbers of Snipe.

A pair of Heron are nesting just off the road and are easily seen, little Egret, Stonechat, Long Tailed Tits. A Black Tailed Godwit in full breeding plumage was a nice sight.

21/3/10.

There is a Magpies nest up Well lane by the lane leading to Tregurno, on the way to Carn BargesI watched a Fox come across the fields from Rosemodress through the cattle who took no notice of him at all. Moorhens, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch, a female Stonechat.

A Song thrush singing and a Chiff Chaff calling 11 Fulmar below the cross.

The Bluebells are growing very fast now and the first of the Wood Sorrel are in flower also found Cowslips in flower.

22/3/10.

A Wasp on the wing today.

25/3/10.

Chiff Chaff calling on the way to Carn Barges, Moorhen and Ravens (2), the Sparrows are still coming to the feeders.

Sparrow Hawk.

1/3/10.
A Sparrow Hawk over the valley this morning as I was walking to Carn Barges.
A cock Pheasant calling along the path from Huers, while walking this section I noticed a patch of colour on top of one of the hedges and about to check what it was with my binoculars when it suddenly uncurled into a Fox, he was obviously asleep in the early morning sun and must have sensed something.
He sat up very straight and sat looking at me but was unafraid and watched me for several minutes then decided I was very boring and quietly moved away.
Farther on 1 Moorhen, 1 Grey Heron and 2 Mallard drakes.
Along the cliff path Scurvy Grass showing flower buds, a Dolphin off Carn Dhu and a Seal in the cove. I have had 2 reports of a large shoal of Mullet in the cove but have not seen them myself.
2/3/10.
Sparrows 1 male 1female on the bird table these are regular visitors.
On the cliff path a Buzzard and a male Stonechat, offshore Guillemots from 2-3 upto flocks of 30+.
A large Bumble bee on the wing, the first of several in the last few days.
4/3/10.
Sparrows again,4 Moorhen, Gannets feeding off the cove a small number of Goldfinches.
10/3/10.
Moorhens 5,4 Auks far off ID uncertain, a Cormorant on the rocks to the right of Carn Barges in full breeding plumage, Scurvy Grass in flower in sheltered areas.

House Sparrows.

Three House Sparrows have appeared on the feeders this morning, 2 cocks and 1 hen almost the same time as last year(1/3/09).
A Song Thrush singing in the evening.
25/2/10.
Sparrows again today, 1 cock 1 hen, on the way to Carn Barges 4 Moorhen and a Grey heron. Tawny Owls (males) calling early this morning at least 4.
A flock of Lapwing over Moorcroft.
28/2/10.
Sparrows again yesterday and today, a Grey heron over the valley this morning being
harassed by Rooks and Herring Gulls.
For those who follow my blog regularly you will see I have included some bird pictures, these I have taken with a new camera which I am still getting used to so please excuse if bthe quality is not perfect.

Rooks.

10/2/10.
A small flock of Snipe in the dip at Shefield this morning c 30,a group of Snipe is known as a Wisp, very apt as when they are on the wing they can look like smoke.
14/2/10.
On the way to Carn Barges 1 Curlew, Long Tailed Tits and 4 Mallard 2 male 2 female.
Offshore Gannets , Razorbills 3,Dolphins at least 4 working an area off the cove and appeared to be feeding, Fulmars 18 on the ledges where they will nest later on in the year.Black Redstart in the cove and Pied Wagtails Buzzards in the woods on the way home.I forgot 2 Moorhen as well.
15/2/10.
Goldfinches on feeders in the garden this morning.
16/2/10.
Gt Spotted Woodpeckers drumming most days now and Song Thrushes singing, Stonechats in cove 2 ,1male 1 female, Gannets offshore.
19/2/10.
A Song Thrush in the garden this morning, bathing in the bird bath and having a great time
21/2/10.
Green Woodpecker laughing up the valley this morning and a Gt Spotted on a feeder at home.
Walked out towards the Maidens this morning via Rocky Lane and in the fields opposite Borah Chapel were many Blackbirds, several Song Thrushes and close to 100 Redwings these were all feeding where dung spreading had taken place, later in the walk another large flock of Redwings (200+) in fields at Bosskena Home Farm.
Buzzards soaring and Goldfinch in the hedges.
22/2/10.
Evidence that the Rooks are starting to nest ,they are dropping twigs all over our garden.
Another sign of spring I found buds on the Marsh Marigolds today.

Signs of spring.

3/2/10.
On the Morrisons roundabout this morning there was a Black Headed Gull with a full black hood this is their breeding plumage so an early sign of spring also in the same area in the scrub behind the garage a Song Thrush was singing its heart out.
On the way home catkins were appearing on the Hazels, particularly by the Lamorna Pottery.Later in the day I walked down to the cove and a long way offshore there were Gannets and Auks flying SW, the Auks were probably Guillemot but too far off to be sure.
In the cove there were Pied Wagtail,Stonechat and a Black Redstart,coming back over the downs in the Daffodil fields behind Estelles house a mole had been busy throwing up hills, in some parts of the country these used to be known as " Tumps"!.
5/2/10.
A large flock of Redwings at Boskenna home farm early morning.
6/2/10.
A Grey Heron in the valley this morning by Vow Cave studio,a Song Thrush feeding on Ivy berries by the town side entrance to Morrab gardens.
7/2/10.
Gannets and Guillemots offshore, 15 Fulmar on the ledges by the cross,2 Ravens displaying over Huers.
9/2/10.
Walked to Castallack, signs of Badger along the verges where they had been digging,small flock of Lapwing over Castallack moor also c 20 Golden Plover, a large flock of Redwing on the high fields.
On the way home stopped and had a chat to James Searle who was cultivating the land at the top of Oakhill ready for planting out using his tractor and James Fox,s old cultivator, its nice to see old tools still in use and doing a good job, 2 Pied Wagtails were taking advantage of the turned earth to feed.

A quiet week.

25/1/10.
A small party of Long Tailed Tits on peanut feeders.
Walked to Castallack and on to Castallack moor, Redwings on the fields on the way to Castallack moor, Lapwings (97) over Castallack moor. A Goldfinch at Oakhill.
27/1/10.
Mallard (7)Gannets, Guillemot c 30,Fulmar 11 Grey & Pied Wagtails.
28/1/10.
Gt Spotted Woodpecker drumming.
1/2/10.
Tawny Owls calling,Woodpeckers Drumming,Moorhen (2) Gannets, Long Tailed Tits, Fulmar(13),Black Redstart in cove by cafe.

Wildfowl.

11/1/10.
A large raft of Teal off the cove over the last few days and an exceptional number today c200, difficult to get an exact count as they are constantly on the move.
Along the cliff on the SW side a Black Redstart.
13/1/10.
Tawny owls calling early evening.
14/1/10.
Walked back from Sheffield this morning via Castallack, many Redwings and Fieldfares a flock of Lapwing in excess of 100 and a few Curlew.Grey Heron in the valley late morning, Woodpecker drumming.
16/1/10.
A Gt Spotted Woodpecker drumming on a telegraph pole, they seem to like these particulary the caps on the tops, depending on how tightly they are fixed they produce different notes, there was one bird a few years ago which liked the angle iron crossbars which made a very distinctive sound, could have been a recipe for a headache!.
17/1/10.
Led a walk today at Warwicks request( and he made it!) ten people including me walked from the village hall to Tregurnow fm then to Rosmodress on to Tregiffian and out to the Maidens back home via Rocky lane.
Redwings, Lapwings,Snipe (6) a Buzzard, a Woodcock ( heard but not seen) and Meadow Pippits in the Maidens field.
18/1/10.
Songthrushes singing, Woodpeckers drumming and Tawny Owls calling in the woods in the evening. A Fox by Trethinick, another at Lamorna pottery.
19/1/10.
Snowdrops in flower at Treverven.
20/1/10.
Long Tailed Tits on feeders this morning, a Grey Wagtail on the triangle, Buzzard over the valley.
Walked out to Carn Barges and back along the coast path, Moorhen, Teal 2, Gadwall 8/10 Mallard 2.Black Redstart SW side of cove, Pied and Grey Wagtails, Rock Pippits in cove.
Brief sighting of a Swan at midday.
22/1/10.
The first Snowdrops in our woods, I always look forward to these.
23/1/10.
Tawny Owls calling in our wood this morning, a Grey Wagtail on the roof.
At lunchtime a Grey Heron over Roslucombe fm.

Into the new year.

30/12/09.
Walking to Carn Barges,c50 Teal, Mallard c24, Moorhen 2,Song Thrush,Pied and Grey Wagtails.2 Raven over Carn Barges.
2 Buzzards over the quarry on the NE side, one flying with a Buzzard and having and having an aerial manoeuvre competition.
2/1/10.
A Fox in the garden at 6.10 this morning, Grey Heron in the Spruces by the road.
3/1/10.
Two Ravens over Huers.Teal 60+ Mallard 12, Moorhen 2.Teal out over the sea difficult
to get an accurate count due to their flight patterns.
A very brief sighting of a Dolphin and allthough I kept searching no further sighting.
Small Seal in the cove SW side, photographed Goose Barnacles on a piece of boating equipment on the rocks by the stream.
When I got back home Jo had seen a Sparrowhawk in the garden.
4/1/10..
A Woodpecker drumming in the woods and later on another feeding on fat in the garden.
A Song Thrush and a Chiff Chaff in the cove
6/1/10.
Snow this morning around 2" deep, Teal 10, Mallard 16, Moorhen heard but not seen.
While standing quietly in cover I sensed movement to my right and glancing down found a small Fox( probably a vixen) coming toward me,it got within three feet before realising I was there and then turned and walked quietly away.
Oystercatchers, Grey and Pied Wagtails and two Stonechat along the coast path, a Dipper on the stream a Jay in the woods and a Green Woodpecker laughing.
On the way into town Lapwings in the Sheffield area.
7/1/10.
Fieldfares and Snipe beyond Moorcroft and at Boleigh also later in the day in the NE quarry and at Kemyel, large numbers of Redwing feeding along the stream margins through the woods, Woodpecker drumming.
8/1/10.
At Boskenna Redwings, Fieldfares and Lapwing in good numbers.
9/1/10.
A Grey Wagtail in the garden this morning also Redwings, Redwings and Fieldfares along the road to town this morning.
Teal 15, Mallard 12 and Snipe over Tregurno farm.
Many Redwings along the coast all heading NE also Lapwings out over the sea, small number of Golden Plover on the rocks along the foreshore.
10/1/10.
Walked to Castallack and Sheffield then back along the main road to Trevelloe then towards Kerris Vean and through the woods to Lamorna pottery and home, Blackbirds, Redwings and Fieldfares in large numbers all the way, Snipe at several locations the greatest number 20+ at Trevelloe. Lapwings in Small numbers and scattered.