MORE FLOODS AND COLD NIGHTS, AS BIRDS RETURN TO THE GARDEN

The weather already in November has meant the lane as become a river twice, which is astonishing because I’ve only seen it like this about six times in the 12 years we’ve lived here.

It did the same last month and, given the amount of rain we’ve had, any downpours will simply tip the water levels well over the limit again.

The moorhens living around the pond and stream have been seen quite often recently, presumably trying to escape any potential danger from the fast-flowing water.

In the garden the leaves from the surrounding deciduous trees are covering the lawn, so I hope the worms and other small creatures can make full use of them.

The birds feeders are now seeing a number visitors, with blackbirds, wrens and dunnocks all being seen quite often.

I’ve heard the tawny owls calling on a couple of nights recently; it’s great to know they’re around, but I just don’t know if they stick around for the rest of the year.

There has been no sight of foxes, badgers or rabbits recently, but I’ve spotted a rat and plenty of grey squirrels at the top end of the lane, not too near the house.

If the weather manages to stop producing rain, and settle down for a bit, I hope to see and hear a little bit more of the wildlife.

The pond has now cleared up, so the water is crystal clear. Unfortunately, the oxygenating plants have perished, so in the spring I’ll get some more to help any wildlife that wants to utilise the ‘facilities’.

We did have a small tortoiseshell butterfly in the house, seemingly trying to spend the winter, but constantly being woken up by the house warming when the heating went on.

Then when I found a box to house it in the garage, it seemingly found a new place and hasn’t been seen in a week. Hopefully we’ll see it again in spring.

AUTUMN TAKES HOLD AS THE COUNTRYSIDE CHANGES COLOUR

The beautiful autumnal colours are starting to show and, combined with the lower level of the sun, are producing some exceptional colouring of the countryside.

Of course it’s the time of year when we start seeing winter visitors coming to these shores, the summer visitors have mostly left for warmer climes and those who stay start seeking warm and safe places to sleep.

The house sparrows are still roosting above the front door and kitchen window, although the leaves of the climbing plant are now starting to leave the site a little bit exposed, so I expect they’ll be finding somewhere new soon.

It’s this time of year that we have more chance of seeing the badgers and foxes out on the lane, although only the local rabbits and squirrels have been spotted so far.

The garden visitors are mainly confined to the house sparrow families. The blackbirds and robins have not been around for a few weeks, while the blue tits, great tits and dunnocks are seen a few times a week.

This time of year can be quite quiet in the garden, so it’ll be a few weeks before it’ll be tidied up and ready for winter.

Some areas will be carefully managed to support wildlife over the coldest season, but others will be prepared for spring when early insects will need a supply of early flowers and nectar to sustain them.

Talking of insects the crane flies have stopped invading the house and left it to the wasps, who are looking for a warm and cosy home for the winter.

In recent years ladybirds and butterflies have used the house as a winter refuge, it remains to be seen if that will happen again this year.