BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch Survey 2-8 April

Following my presumption that most of our Chaffinches had migrated for the summer, they were back with a vengeance on Monday when a flock of forty turned up following a hail storm and snow shower, but they were only here for a few minutes before vanishing again. The garden then stayed rather quiet until Friday.

There was very heavy snow falling in Newcastle this afternoon while we were doing a little bit of shopping. The weather has gone bonkers; you'd have thought it was January!

The Siskins were very bold today. I went out to refill the sunflower heart feeders: as I opened the back door everything flew off, as usual, apart from a pair of Siskins who stayed put on the nyger seed ... I got to well within six foot of them and they still didn't budge so I had to wait until they were finished!

I've moved the hanging feeders which are normally in front of the kitchen window as far away from nest Box 1 as I can, but still keeping it close enough to be able to take some photos. They are now at the bottom of the steps in front of the French doors. I'll be surprised if the box is used ... The garden is too busy. Birdman is going to put Box 2 up tomorrow (round the side where it's quieter) but it's probably too late. Most boxes have been claimed by now. Still, it won't harm to put one up. My Dad's nestbox wasn't used until April 18th last year, so it's still possible.

Here's the list for the week:

1. Chaffinch (40)
2. Greenfinch (28)
3. Blackbird (2)
4. Goldfinch (6)
5. Blue Tit (2)
6. Siskin (9)
7. Starling (3)
8. Coal Tit (1)
9. Pheasant (1)
10. Woodpigeon (4)
11. House Sparrow (3)
12. Great Tit (2)
13. Dunnock (1)
14. Wren (1)
15. Yellowhammer (2)
16. Jackdaw (1)

Swallow (0)
House Martin (o)