BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch Survey 12-18 Feb 06

Fifteen species were seen in the garden this week - the lowest number recorded since the end of October last year. Notable absences were Dunnock, Black-headed Gull, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow.

For the first time since last August, I have not recorded a Woodpigeon visiting the garden.

To find out more about the BTO/CJs Garden BirdWatch click here.

This is the complete list for the week (the figure in brackets shows the highest number of that species seen in the garden at any one time):

Greenfinch (21)
Chaffinch (40)
Robin (1)
Goldfinch (3)
Starling (3)
Blackbird (1)
Wren (1)
House Sparrow (2)
Siskin (1)
Brambling (1)
Pied Wagtail (1)
Blue Tit (1)
Great Tit (1)
Coal Tit (1)
Pheasant (1)

Last week's count can be seen here

Due to the fact that we are still getting large flocks of Chaffinch and Greenfinch I decided to place the other feeders back in the garden today. Reducing the amount food hasn't reduced the flock sizes so I believe it to be more hygenic to spread the birds out again; this provides them with the usual three feeding stations rather than just one. I will continue to disinfect under the feeders until spring.

The most recent sick bird was seen on 11th February (male Greenfinch).