We have a relatively small garden (19 metres long by 9.5 metres wide) in Redditch, which benefits from mature to over-mature hedges on all sides. Despite its small size we have created a variety of habitats including a pond, a meadow, tree planting and slightly more formal flower beds. This brings in a variety of wildlife and at this time of year as winter gives way to spring we have an interesting crossover period.
Bee-flies, Brimstones and Bramblings
Brimstone butterfly by Gary Farmer
A crossover of seasons in Gary's garden...
Dark-edged bee-fly by Gary Farmer
The recent run of chilly but bright sunny days have seen the arrival of the eagerly awaited harbingers of spring; frogs are calling from the pond and the flower beds are buzzing with large queen bumblebees, dark-edged bee-flies and feather-footed (hairy-footed) flower bees while brimstone butterflies bask in the March sunshine.
Brambling by Gary Farmer
There is, however, a reminder that winter has still not completely left us as small flocks of finches continue to feed from our bird tables and feeders. Amongst them are at least three striking black and orange bramblings, looking stunning on this crisp bright morning. We get these beautiful birds most winters and watch through the season as the males get darker plumage before leaving us in spring to head for their Scandinavian and Siberian breeding grounds.
They stay later each year - in 2019 a male was seen feeding in our garden on 21st April. This year, though, I suspect that the clear skies combined with the extra activity in neighbours’ gardens due to ‘lock-down’ will send the birds off well before that date but we shall see. Watch this space.