Swallows returned last Monday, 17th April, followed the following day by Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and the call of the Cuckoo. Four blue tits have started laying eggs in the nest boxes, not so many nests yet as normal, but I reckon the first egg was laid on the 16th which is the earliest I have had by several days, so perhaps the others will start on the more normal time late April/ early May. The Dunnocks have fledged, so early, wonder if they will have their second brood in the same nest ? But the real worry is Rupert our wonderful gentleman cockeral, who doesn't seem at all well. He's a lakenvelder, a dutch breed, and at least 7 years old. Really quiet and on his own, sleeping a lot,with a droopy tail. Hope he will pick up. |