June

25th. A break from the diary as I have taken time to enjoy the garden and it's wildlife etc. The young birds continue to increase as up to 15 young Great Tits, 7 young Blue Tits, 5 young Goldfinch, 5 young Blackbirds and even a single young crow. The garden has been full of flower bloom coupled with great smells which have come from a common valerian. The big news in the garden is the visit of a Male Bullfinch which has been feeding on the sunflower hearts of late. It has now not been seen for a week or so so it may have moved on but we are hoping it remembers this spot come winter time. I have had Bullfinch here before but they have been fleeting visits by to young in 2003 and a pair last year, however they never stayed to feed.

Our anniversary was celebrated this month which has lead to a moth trap being gained. The weather has not yet been dry enough to use it so come high summer I hope to have a few moth species to tell of, although this is really Mandy's domain in truth. Insect activity has been low with only one or two butterflies being seen. Orange tip and and a large white being two that have showed. What has been seen though is the Hummingbird Hawkmoth which has visited twice but each time it has not been in a photgraphical pose...yet! I have planted one of my favourite plants last week, the Verbena bonariensis and a slightly different form Verbena hastata The former of the two has always attractes many species of butterfly and the big puller of the Hummingbird Hawkmoth.. The only downside to this plant is that it is not fully hardy and has always died in the winter so I have to buy new every year.