European Gardening: BIRDS IN THE GARDEN, 0 by wallaby1

wallaby1 wrote:
That is a shame your tree is dying, they do make a good shade tree, even for here! They also provide lots of compost material, it seems that many people just see a large tree in the garden as a nuisance, grumbling at the work it creates rather than appreciating the benefits. I can be guilty of an occasional grumble, then I smack myself around the ears and tell myself it is useful, and attractive.

I looked up long-tailed tits, the descrition on the rspb site fits perfectly

"The long-tailed tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight. Gregarious and noisy residents, long-tailed tits are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds. Like most tits, they rove the woods and hedgerows, but are also seen on heaths and commons with suitable bushes."

They were excitable and chatty, they seemed to be enjoying themselves. You do notice the character of a different bird like this, some are shy, some coy, secretive, they didn't hang around once I arrived on the scene and I really wanted to observe them more!

Looked up black woodpecker, a sharp looking character!

http://www.birdguides.com/html/vidlib/species/Dryocopus_mart...

Catalpas are lovely trees, I have 3 paulownias I grew from seed, 6 years old now and 2 years in the ground, they look great from the kitchen window when the sun shines through the leaves. I will keep them cut back, they grow a lot in a season and you get larger leaves.