There I was, out in the greenhouse, merrily examining the seed trays for signs of life when this creature burst onto the scene.
Scared the wits out of me!
But, sure 'twas only a little Robin.
Suddenly, my mind flashed back to spring 2003, when a Robin decided to nest in a discarded pot on the top of my greenhouse staging. Not again, SURELY!
I was a bit late in my greenhouse cleanup again, and sure enough, it HAS happened again.
I found the nest, again in a 5in pot lying on its side, buit this time in the lower shelf of my staging.
Theres 5 little eggs, and mother has decided I'm not a threat, as she has returned to the nest and is "in residence".
Ive now been stepping on tip-toes every time I go into the greenhouse, and can work around the Robin if its nerves will bear the strain.
OK, thats bad enough. Ive had a tree surgeon round, and accepted his quote to cut down a huge Ash tree in my boundary hedge.
I heard a commotion one morning, and found a dove chasing a Magpie out of the Damson tree just under the Ash tree.
Yep, you've guesssed it... another nest. Mother dove has decided to make a very fragile looking nest in a tangle of twigs in the old Damson tree.
Another job on hold. I had to phone the tree guy and tell him I'd ring him when the Doves had vacated.
Now, theres one problem... my dog always bones a few fledglings every year. I know when he's done it, because he meets me at the gate when I get back from work, and if hes been "bad" he sidles down the driveway as if he thinks I know already! He wrinkles his nose in a strange way. Its a real tell-tale. A dog with conscience!
Anyway, I take a walk around the garden, usually find a little lifeless creature and point and scold. Off he goes, slinks to his box, and does his pennance.
He's usually a docile harmless big thing, but I suppose a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do.
To be continued!
