Life with cats, and other things…
7th February 2026 After many days of clear weather, Saturday brought snow. A flock of starlings came to perch in the bushes, staring at us as we breakfasted. . "Missus! Are you going to come out here and deal with this?" Some dropped onto the snow to dig frantically for seed buried beneath. Most inconsiderate … Continue reading What we miss
January 2026 Cold weather brought starlings to the suet feeders. . And snow on the ground reflected sunlight onto their beautiful feathers. . That day they were pecking at seed in the snow. . They have impressive and colourful beaks. . Maybe this bird was scooping up snow. The water I put out in the … Continue reading Grand Trunk Road
0748/8th June 2025 . "Feed me!" . Set foot outside these days and your eardrums will be assaulted by the chatter of newly-fledged starlings that fill the trees and populate the grass. . "Have a nice berry, dear. " . Suddenly we can't keep up with the demand for suet. While doves merely look reproachful … Continue reading Sightings
7th June 2025 . Cleaning fish-flavoured vomit off an already much-anointed carpet was a perfect start to a soggy Saturday. My mother had a very poor sense of smell and sometimes I think she was blessed, although it did result in her nearly blowing herself up once. . Luckily, she escaped with singed eyebrows, but … Continue reading Seriously?
7th May 2024 Tuesday saw us on the way to the Veterinary Hospital again but only for routine check-ups and vaccines. Lily and Dee Dee make no fuss which reduces our own stress at such times. When you have difficulty rounding up the patient, it can fray the nerves. We allow time for such manoeuvres … Continue reading Finch food?
28th January 2024 Yesterday was one of those rare times when the view beyond my kitchen window was drab. After sliding around for a couple of days on receding snow, it was mud that nearly took my feet from under me. Still, the sparrows were singing a merry tune and there was a trace of … Continue reading Rations
1322/17th January 2024 Notso's visit on January 7th was as short as it was unexpected. We presume she had attached herself to a flock of starlings and after her brief hello, she was gone once more. . Cowbirds are often seen with red-winged blackbirds and starlings but Notso was alone and we suspected she thought … Continue reading Not of a feather
1630/8th January 2024 There's no telling what will come next this Winter, but it has provided a few subjects for my camera. Yesterday morning it was the traditional Winter landscape that I find irresistible. . Monday's snow tapered off with a small additional accumulation overnight. Because the temperature hovered around freezing, dawn revealed a world … Continue reading Technical terms
0719/5th January 2024 For a sky like this I had to nip outside, but in only a nightshirt and bare feet nip was the operative word. 12F/-11C ought to feel colder, I thought, but at ground level the air was still, although the cloud was travelling at a decent speed. . But not being that … Continue reading Storm watch
31st May 2023 There's one in every crowd. Pushy, noisy, demanding. Centre of attention. . Those that stand around, awaiting developments. Those who harass their seniors. Those who won't get involved. Then, there are those who defend. Those who stand and wait. Self-starter! "Keeping watch while you feed Junior!" First day out of the nest. … Continue reading Not a murmur