We have had two Birds on the feeder today, that dont usually use it. One was a Green Woodpecker who we see and hear near to the farm house dailey. Unlike the Great Spotted Woodpecker that visits the Bird feeders all day long, they normally feed off of the ground, eating ants and other insects, that can be found on the ground.
The other Bird we saw today was a Jay, that are closly related to the Magpie. At this time of year, they will raid other Birds nests to eat the nestlings and eggs. Both are hunted by Game Keepers, who look after the Pheasant young, for game shooting.
We have not heard the Cuckoo or seen or heard any Tawney Owls this year. The Tawney Owls has never until now, not nested on the farm. Although they have never used them, we have three Tawney Owl nest boxes in the Woods down the Valley. The camera regulary use to pick there eyes up with the IR lamps, and they were seen last year, swooping down on a Rat or Vole on the main Badger camera. But not this year.
The wiring is now complete to get another Swallows nest on camera. I only have to screw the camera in place in the morning, and it will be up and running. The next job with the cameras, is to run the wire to put at least one camera in place, that will concentrate on the Badger sett entrance. I hope to start that tomorrow, after I finish the farm work.
Lady was mated with the Stallion yesterday, and should be back home on the farm by the end of the week.