Monday 25th.January 2010

Confined to barracks today , as a trip yesterday up on the Greensand Ridge , which I thought caused just a bruise , turned out to be a puncture wound in the muscle of the right thigh , from some old metal fencing that I landed on , and leaving me with a very dead leg . No I hadn't been to the pub Warren , nor will it be necessary to send flowers , as I hope to be hedgelaying tomorrow .
Over breakfast , Carol spotted movement on the patio , around the cage that she puts down to stop the Collared Doves and Woodpigeons hoovering up all the ground food . I got the camera and sat for a while in the sun lounge . One of the resident Dunnocks came and fed inside the cage , and I was beginning to think that this was what Carol spotted , until this little chap appeared . He's sitting still here , but made several dashes into the cage , to fill his pouches , disappearing for a short time , then re-appearing again , to refill the pouches . Not the best of shots , but it was taken through double glazing . Also putting in an appearance was the resident male Robin , who , I have noticed today , has found a mate . Another sign of the 'S' word , with the first Snowdrops in the garden coming into flower . With being imprisoned today , I kept a good eye on the feeders , hoping for that elusive Siskin or Redpoll , but it wasn't to be . Most of the usual suspects were seen , but no Winter Thrushes or Blackcaps , not surprising , as very few berries remain now . A pair of Coal Tits came to feed , but did not co-operate by getting in the same shot together . A pair of Blue and Great Tits also managed to evade the lens together . The Greater Spotted Woodpecker made morning and afternoon visits , and has got this Sunflower Heart thing down to perfection . As I said most usual species came through the day , but this Collared Dove posed best , so am posting it .
Two days hedgelaying , hopefully , wildlife ?