Frog in our living room

Got up this morning to find this common frog in our living room.

We have been leaving the conservatory doors open until quite late so it must have hopped in when no one was looking.


Not sure why it was attracted to the bag - maybe it thought that the colours where flowers and would be a good place to hide.

I carefully picked up the frog (with damp hands) and placed it back in the pond area.

Goldfinches take a bath

A noise family of stunning goldfinches visited our bird bath for a drink and a good splash on a sunny and hot afternoon.

 The goldfinches took it in turns to bathe

I saw at least 3 juveniles (bird to the right above) but it was difficult to count the entire family as they flew in and out of the buddleia bush.


Afterwards the goldfinches retired to the branches for a preen

Herring gulls nesting update

Herring gulls chicks are now on the move. There are several nests on the roof tops along our road and the chicks are beginning to wander along the roof tops which cause the adults to be very protective.


This one decided to dive bomb me - excreting in my direction but missed by a long distance.

The herring gull chicks have perfect camouflage for rook tops.

They are either sleeping, demanding food from their parents, or exploring pecking at things that might be food.

There is also a nest on the chimney of a house behind ours, which I watch every year. One of the chicks is already trying out its wings in preparation pre-flights.

Herring gulls are fascinating to watch, getting a glimpse at courtship nest building, territorial behaviours, postures and calls.


You might be forgiven to think we are over run with herring gulls, but they are not doing so well in their natural environment earning them Red Status for conservation.


While I occasionally find my self being dived on by herring gulls, I am a great fan

Slow-worms enjoying the sun

The slow-worms in my garden have been enjoying the recent spell of hot weather. These beautiful legless lizards are delightful and of course completely harmless. They do in fact help the garden as they will eat small slugs and other garden pests.

They have been basking in different locations in our garden and I think there are at least 5 individuals as they differ in size, colour and whether their tail is still intact.

I rescued this little chap (or chap-ess) as it was about to slither into a bag of garden green waste while I was gardening destined for the green bin.

(I always tie them once I have finished to prevent frogs or other animals climbing inside)


This poor slow-worm was next to our green house on a very rainy day.

I thought it was dead at first, but it was alive but very cold. I brought it inside and warmed it with my hands.

Once it recovered I released it back in the garden in a safe dry spot.

Robin and Long tailed Tit

On a recent visit to Woods mill, Sussex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, I witnessed this unusual behaviour from a long- tailed tit.


At first I thought it was reacting to its reflection but continued observation suggested it might have been catching tiny flying insects. Just before the long-tailed tit flew down to the windows, it had been foraging in a near by tree.

Further on around the reserve I encountered this pair of robin. The male robin was collecting food items to feed his mate - known as courtship feeding. The robin showed great interest in my lunch and so I offered some bread crumbs on my hand.


The robin became braver after several visits to my hands and on occasions stayed for a few seconds before flying off. Bread not the best food for birds but the few crumbs won't have been a problem.

Tricky filming and feeding the robin but pleased with the results.


While it is easy to think that this robin is being very friendly - this probably involves a behaviour that goes back to when they were true woodland birds. Robins once foraged around wild boar that unearthed tasty worms and invertebrates while they rooted around for food. In a similar way, some robins have become used to humans a being non dangerous and a source of food.