A REVIEW OF 2019 - PART 3/4

At this time every year I take a look back at how the garden changed during the year.

This is the third of four posts that will charter the changing view of the garden; July to September.

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

THE LONG ROAD TO DARK MORNINGS AND NIGHTS?

So September has brought what the end of August promised – cloud, wind and rain, along with a distinctly chilling feel in the air.

In the last few weeks there has been a couple of overhead views of swifts, chattering away and seemingly on their journey to warmer climes.

I don’t think they’re local swifts, merely family groups passing over and making the most of the conditions to feed.

I’ve also seen a couple of family groups of swallows, but again it’s been a week of so since the last sighting of our beautiful summer visitors.

In the garden the pond has seen too much litter falling in, so a clean-up along with new aerating plants is required soon.

There has been a smattering of blue tits, great tits and house sparrows in the garden, particularly in the last few days, making the most of the free food on offer.

One thing that has been noticeable is the local robins singing, and sounding like they’re reasserting their territories.

The one in our garden has been very vocal in the morning and evenings, making the most of the feast of bugs and earthworms the current weather is bringing to the surface.

The tomatoes are only just growing from flowers, so I don’t hold much hope for any red ones this year.

Better news on the sunflowers, the few that have made it beyond July are now getting quite tall, so they should be flowering soon – giving some birds free and natural foods for the autumn.

Five years ago most of September was warm, if not hot at times, so whether this year it’ll pick up temperature wise is another thing – the forecast suggest not!

ANOTHER INDIAN SUMMER?

August once again proved to be anything but the height of summer, but the end of the month heralded a warmer spell which might just be enough to see summer migrants stay around a bit longer, including the swallows.

However this week looks like being a false dawn on any warmth in September, as rain and coolers winds look like winning out.

I think the swallows had two broods this year, as there’s been quite a few birds with shorter tails swooping around the garden and surrounding countryside.

I don’t know how long they’ll stay around for, but as they’re my favourite birds I hope for just a little bit longer.

The garden birds are now making a bit more of a comeback in the garden, with the blue tits, great tits, house sparrows and even the odd robin making regular appearances.

This year’s tit fledglings are still easily recognisable, although they’re definitely getting in tune with their surroundings, feeding areas and warning calls from their parents.

With the sunflowers started to get into full flower, the seeds will hopefully provide an autumn booty for the birds.

Talking of garden booty the broad beans have once again delivered a good harvest, while the tomatoes are struggling in the garden.

Next year it’ll be tumbling tomatoes, broad beans and sunflowers, and nothing else.

They’ll also be a re-introduction in the garden too, as I’m planning on reinstating the pond after filling it in because of the girls being toddlers.

Now they’re both at school, I think the small pond can come back and help them learn a little bit more about having different wild parts to a garden and the wildlife it can bring – albeit on a small scale given the pond isn’t huge!

Time will tell if frogs make it back, but hopefully it’ll provide a home to some smaller creatures and perhaps be a water source for the small birds.