Sparrowhawks and Red Mason Bees

Mum and Dad are pleased to see that the female Sparrowhawk who used to come through regularly before all the building work started out the back, is now coming through almost daily again after a break, presumably while she was put off by all the unaccustomed activity. Regularly when we are sitting out on the terrace the outcry from annoyed and upset sparrows and starlings makes our heads turn in time to see her blast through or shoot off either empty "handed" or with a small bird in her talons.

It's a shame, I guess, that these birds have to die (Rich coming from a Robin-killer, says Dad!) but it's all part of the food chain and the ecological diversity. Our garden must be, though, one of the most song-bird rich in the area. Looking up and down the neighbours from upstairs here it is the fullest of cover and high trees and bushes, the best supplied with bird feeders and the most swarming with spugs and starlings.

Not boasting here - it's not everyone's cup of tea. More people like lawns and borders, and non-native (often double-flowered or exotic, so sterile) plants, and think that "wildlife gardens" are untidy or lacking in firey colours. We go the berries, cover, shelter, local and native species route.

So too, Dad is on line today re-stocking the Red mason bee nest box with cardboard tubes (http://www.buckingham-nurseries.co.uk/acatalog/index.html). For five years this plastic tube full of smaller card tubes was totally ingnored by all but spiders, but in 2006 we suddenly had mason bees and leaf cutter bees everywhere, and the whole nest was taken with a procession of bees to-ing and fro-ing. Dad put the box in the shed over winter, then out again in spring, and all the tubes then hatched out and are empty. Not sure if spent tubes are re-used, Dad is investing in another box for 2007.

Meanwhile, tonight is the last night for the green Picasso. Off it goes to the big Picasso auction in the sky, and neighbour Jim can at last have his driveway back. Good man, Jim, and thanks for the use of. And over the road, we have spotted a new Westie on the block. We'd all thought over here, it was a pup, but no-one had yet had a close encounter. Jim has now met the guy and found out that, in fact, it's just a very petite 18 month old. Can't wait to meet him/her. Bound to, soon!

Have a good evening
Deefs