Birds

We're very lucky where we are at the allotment, we are close to a major migration hotspot, backing onto a school playing field with lots of trees and traditional hedgerow around, so we get plenty of birds.

For the past couple of days we've had a fieldfare hanging around with the local blackbirds, chomping on local berries.  it's been many years since I saw one of those in these parts (though that might have more to do with my changing habits rather than any scarcity).

This year I've seen Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Whitethroat, lapwing, Lesser whitethroat, Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler and common crane.  We also have thriving populations of blue, great and long tailed tits, dozens of house sparrows, tame blackbirds, wrens, dunnocks and song thrushes. 

Some pics from today

Another useful link

I’ve found the forums at Allotments UK to be invaluable.  Lots of really good people there doing what we’re doing and tons of knowledge, so I’m giving them a ‘heads-up’.

First of November

Well, things aren’t all that bad.  Collected 10 lovely bright red Apache Peppers today and herbs are still in full effect. Collected parsley, sage, rosemary and mint today and all the plants are looking healthy.  In fact, the only things that are actually ‘done’ for the year are applemint and the French Tarragon is looking quite sad.

All good though.