A line or two to say hello and wish you the very best the season has to offer. Are we all well? I do hope so.
I have been working hard here, nose to the grindstone etc, so not much has been done in the way of festive preparation, but no doubt there will be enough.
Nothing much to report, although the urchins tend to keep me on my toes. Except, one exciting garden thing - a new visitor to the bird feeder...
A ring-necked parakeet! It's the first one I've ever seen, although the eldest and the middle one had seen them a little further north and I know they're quite common in London. I think it might be a female as it doesn't have a particularly visible ring around the neck. Sorry about the blurry photos, but I was a long way away and the eldest has spirited my long lens away with him.
Another new visitor is a squirrel, but not quite as exotic. And no photos, because the dog caught on and did a huge amount of barking. Even though Bertie was inside the house, the squirrel wasn't taking any chances. Funny, because the ones on the dog walk, of which there are many, are very tame. I think they understand the concept of a dog on a lead as well, because they saunter across in front of us very casually sometimes, as if they know he won't be able to chase them.
So that's more wildlife to add to the garden list. Still no hedgehog though, but I feel it's only a matter of time.
I hope everyone has a lovely few days. Look after yourselves, CJ xx
How exciting to see a parakeet in your garden. I've seen them in London a lot but never here further west. We do have LOTS of squirrels though! I filled the bird feeders yesterday and strapped an apple to one of them using wire to try and tether it in place ........ it lasted all of 5 minutes before 'Mr. Chubbington' made away with it!
ReplyDeleteDo you still have your festive ladder? I was hoping you were going to reveal a picture after last year's hilarious post! :O)
Thank you for all your excellent blog posts this year. Your blog is one of my favourites; always beautifully written and never failing to make me laugh. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and best wishes for 2025. xx
I see, and hear, parakeets most days and always stop to watch them. Also see plenty of squirrels. Sadly I've never seen a hedgehog in all the, many, years I've lived here.
ReplyDeleteThanks, you too and likewise. xx
No hedgehogs here either, we had to block off holes in the fence because of our escape artist dog... Dozens of parakeets near my home, although never yet in the garden. There is one tree near us where they roost, it is quite impressive. Have a wonderful Christmas. I hope you get a bit of a break from work xx
ReplyDeleteI love parakeets. We see quiet a few in the park where we live on the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire border. I have not seen a hedgehog for a long time unfortunately. Hope you are enjoying Christmas, The Winter Soltice has passed and we can look forward to lighter days. Xxx
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very happy Christmas. Granddaughter would love your parakeet. She has a book where they feature and she’s rather obsessed by them :) B x
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