Well, this is fun...
 

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.
--

Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Well, this is fun...
 

We have it too. Been blowing a gale all night, a few more leaves off the
Palm Tree spread across the garden. A 'dry stone' brick wall I have to one
side of the compost heap has blown in but that was only a temporary thing
until a new compost bin is built.

At least it is dry

Mike
South East Coast of a blustery Isle of Wight

.................................................. ................
'Ask not what the Theatre can do for you,
but what you can do for the Theatre'
www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk






"Sacha" wrote in message ...

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.
--

Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Well, this is fun...
 

Have you noticed Chris, is that it comes round every year? ;-)

At least it does on the Isle of Wight ;-)

Mike


.................................................. ................
'Ask not what the Theatre can do for you,
but what you can do for the Theatre'
www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk




"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
...

On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:03:01 +0000, Sacha
wrote:

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.

It's called 'winter'!

--

Chris

Gardening in West Cornwall overlooking the sea.
Mild, but very exposed to salt gales

Well, this is fun...
 

"Sacha" wrote

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not bitter.
But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round windows and
howling down chimneys.


I'm the same, cold I can cope with but wind I hate. Always seemed to me that
the wind is the more destructive. Certainly when my parents lived very near
the S coast in Selsey they hardly got a frost but the wind did all the
damage to their plants. We used to comment if there was no wind when we
visited, it was so rare.

--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK

Well, this is fun...
 

"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:03:01 +0000, Sacha
wrote:

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.

It's called 'winter'!

The past few days, we've had hard frost during the night and it is just
about melted by morning. Nothing like I see England is having. We've had a
bit of snow a few weeks ago, hailstones and gales, but nothing major yet.


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

Well, this is fun...
 

Not ALL of England please, we have not had a frost overnight, not a snow
flake and the sun is shining nice and brightly :-)

Of course that isn't bad news to the press so it won't appear.

Had to nip down to the shop earlier and it was a cold wind blowing, a 'wrap
up against the lazy wind' type of wind.

Mike
SUNNY South East Coast of the Isle of Wight.

.................................................. ................
'Ask not what the Theatre can do for you,
but what you can do for the Theatre'
www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk






"Ophelia" wrote in message ...



"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:03:01 +0000, Sacha
wrote:

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.

It's called 'winter'!

The past few days, we've had hard frost during the night and it is just
about melted by morning. Nothing like I see England is having. We've had a
bit of snow a few weeks ago, hailstones and gales, but nothing major yet.


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

Well, this is fun...
 

On 26/12/2014 23:03, Sacha wrote:
the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.



We've had very strong winds here through the night. RG had to get up at
4am and close the bedroom window because a birdfeeder was banging
against it and keeping us awake. He took the bird feeder down, too, of
course. It's clear the birds really missed it because they flew to it
as if it was magnetised once RG put it back. If birds could stampede,
they would have done!

I haven't ventured outside to check the garden, so I'm keeping my
fingers crossed. It's supposed to be much nicer in the London area
tomorrow. I'll check it then.
--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

Well, this is fun...
 

"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 26/12/2014 23:03, Sacha wrote:
the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.



We've had very strong winds here through the night. RG had to get up at
4am and close the bedroom window because a birdfeeder was banging against
it and keeping us awake. He took the bird feeder down, too, of course.
It's clear the birds really missed it because they flew to it as if it was
magnetised once RG put it back. If birds could stampede, they would have
done!

I haven't ventured outside to check the garden, so I'm keeping my fingers
crossed. It's supposed to be much nicer in the London area tomorrow.
I'll check it then.

We always got various birds feeding in our garden but since we have the new
sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm) only starlings are coming ... and a lot of
them! Are they keeping the other birds away?

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

Well, this is fun...
 

On 27/12/2014 15:33, Ophelia wrote:


"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 26/12/2014 23:03, Sacha wrote:
the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.



We've had very strong winds here through the night. RG had to get up
at 4am and close the bedroom window because a birdfeeder was banging
against it and keeping us awake. He took the bird feeder down, too,
of course. It's clear the birds really missed it because they flew to
it as if it was magnetised once RG put it back. If birds could
stampede, they would have done!

I haven't ventured outside to check the garden, so I'm keeping my
fingers crossed. It's supposed to be much nicer in the London area
tomorrow. I'll check it then.

We always got various birds feeding in our garden but since we have the
new sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm)

LOL!

only starlings are coming ... and a
lot of them! Are they keeping the other birds away?



They could be, but starlings (I call them starvlings) need feeding and
they've been in decline over recent years, so they need help, too.

You will find that the more feeders you have - and the more widely
spread - the more birds you will safely attract. It helps to put
feeders near protective cover so the birds feel safe, but not so
protected that cats can conceal themselves. Not always easy in a small
garden. You could make use of your apple and holly trees when hanging
feeders.

I use a lot of fatball feeders, and this is my favourite type:-

http://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/our-s...Feeder-Cage/87

I also use suet blocks in dedicated wire block cages, which are very
readily used. Avoid buying flimsy ones if you can; I've lost count of
the ones I've thrown out:~(.

Traditional peanut feeders are also very welcome. RG is currently using
a see-through plastic tube type with feeding portals. They can be
bought for seed or mixed foods. RG's one is currently holding suet
pellets, sunflower hearts and mealworms (not live ones). This feeder is
*loved* by all the little birds. We've even seen robins on it (they
adore mealworms), and they usually prefer ground-or-table feeding.

Another treat I occasionally offer is raw pastry when I've got some
spare. Birds will turn cartwheels for this!:~)) Grated cheese is
enjoyed as well, but not strong cheddar (too salty, I think). Mild
chedder or one of the creamy cheeses always goes down well.

Hope this gives you some ideas. I hope you appreciate that you will
hence forth feed like a pauper while your birds are feasting in
style?:~). Feeding birds is addictive!
--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

Well, this is fun...
 

On 2014-12-27 08:15:16 +0000, Chris Hogg said:

On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:03:01 +0000, Sacha
wrote:

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.

It's called 'winter'!

Which does not make it pleasant, however! All was calm and still today
with bright sunshine, then we had ferocious and threatening clouds
which did nothing at all. Now it's clear and very cold.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon

Well, this is fun...
 

On 2014-12-27 08:58:00 +0000, Bob Hobden said:

"Sacha" wrote

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.


I'm the same, cold I can cope with but wind I hate. Always seemed to me
that the wind is the more destructive. Certainly when my parents lived
very near the S coast in Selsey they hardly got a frost but the wind
did all the damage to their plants. We used to comment if there was no
wind when we visited, it was so rare.

Yes, I particularly dislike wind. It can do a lot of damage depending
on where it decides to lodge itself and whirl around! At least with
frost, you have an idea of the frosty spots in your garden and the
plants most likely to be damaged can be protected.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon

Well, this is fun...
 

On 2014-12-27 09:44:58 +0000, Martin said:

On Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:03:01 +0000, Sacha wrote:

the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.

You can't blame me this time, we don't travel until Sunday evening.

There's snow in some parts of NL
https://webcam.nl/strand/

I did wonder if you were en route....!
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon

Well, this is fun...
 

"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 27/12/2014 15:33, Ophelia wrote:


"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 26/12/2014 23:03, Sacha wrote:
the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.



We've had very strong winds here through the night. RG had to get up
at 4am and close the bedroom window because a birdfeeder was banging
against it and keeping us awake. He took the bird feeder down, too,
of course. It's clear the birds really missed it because they flew to
it as if it was magnetised once RG put it back. If birds could
stampede, they would have done!

I haven't ventured outside to check the garden, so I'm keeping my
fingers crossed. It's supposed to be much nicer in the London area
tomorrow. I'll check it then.

We always got various birds feeding in our garden but since we have the
new sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm)

LOL!

Do you think we ought to patent it? ;-)


only starlings are coming ... and a
lot of them! Are they keeping the other birds away?



They could be, but starlings (I call them starvlings) need feeding and
they've been in decline over recent years, so they need help, too.

You will find that the more feeders you have - and the more widely
spread - the more birds you will safely attract. It helps to put feeders
near protective cover so the birds feel safe, but not so protected that
cats can conceal themselves. Not always easy in a small garden. You
could make use of your apple and holly trees when hanging feeders.

Did you see the ball he hung on the tree? He had taken off the netting,
drilled a hole through it and hung it on a plastic tie. I do usually hang
them in all possible places ... remember how this started? Me talking about
hanging some in the cotoneaster? :))

sigh it seems the sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm) won't be necessary after
all and doubt it will make an appearance in future years ;) He bought that
guttering for the side of the shed so I suspect it will be used for that
purpose now:)

I use a lot of fatball feeders, and this is my favourite type:-

http://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/our-s...Feeder-Cage/87

I also use suet blocks in dedicated wire block cages, which are very
readily used. Avoid buying flimsy ones if you can; I've lost count of the
ones I've thrown out:~(.

I don't think I've ever seen a cage. Usually in the winter I buy blocks of
dripping, melt it and mix in seeds and set them in bun trays with a piece of
string for hanging them. I have all the dripping and seeds but forgot with
all the other preparations so we bought a bucket of the ones in nets as a
quick solution.


Traditional peanut feeders are also very welcome.

We already have those and use them.


RG is currently using
a see-through plastic tube type with feeding portals. They can be bought
for seed or mixed foods.

The one we are using for peanuts is a clear tube. Hmmm... I am sure we had
some that was mainly mesh. Were they the proper ones for peanuts?

RG's one is currently holding suet
pellets, sunflower hearts and mealworms (not live ones). This feeder is
*loved* by all the little birds. We've even seen robins on it (they adore
mealworms), and they usually prefer ground-or-table feeding.

Another treat I occasionally offer is raw pastry when I've got some spare.
Birds will turn cartwheels for this!:~)) Grated cheese is enjoyed as
well, but not strong cheddar (too salty, I think). Mild chedder or one of
the creamy cheeses always goes down well.

That is news for me! Noted! In the winter especially, I make suet pastry
so ...


Hope this gives you some ideas.

It most certainly does!! Especially the one about pastry!!

I hope you appreciate that you will
hence forth feed like a pauper while your birds are feasting in style?:~).
Feeding birds is addictive!

LOL I can feel it happening already ...

As always, Spider, thanks for all the great advice:)) I really appreciate
it!




--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

Well, this is fun...
 

On 28/12/2014 11:16, Ophelia wrote:


"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 27/12/2014 15:33, Ophelia wrote:


"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 26/12/2014 23:03, Sacha wrote:
the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.



We've had very strong winds here through the night. RG had to get up
at 4am and close the bedroom window because a birdfeeder was banging
against it and keeping us awake. He took the bird feeder down, too,
of course. It's clear the birds really missed it because they flew to
it as if it was magnetised once RG put it back. If birds could
stampede, they would have done!

I haven't ventured outside to check the garden, so I'm keeping my
fingers crossed. It's supposed to be much nicer in the London area
tomorrow. I'll check it then.

We always got various birds feeding in our garden but since we have the
new sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm)

LOL!

Do you think we ought to patent it? ;-)


Having noted the way this conversation is going, perhaps not, but
hubby's idea was an excellent stopgap which has already helped lots of
birds:~).



only starlings are coming ... and a
lot of them! Are they keeping the other birds away?



They could be, but starlings (I call them starvlings) need feeding and
they've been in decline over recent years, so they need help, too.

You will find that the more feeders you have - and the more widely
spread - the more birds you will safely attract. It helps to put
feeders near protective cover so the birds feel safe, but not so
protected that cats can conceal themselves. Not always easy in a
small garden. You could make use of your apple and holly trees when
hanging feeders.

Did you see the ball he hung on the tree? He had taken off the
netting, drilled a hole through it and hung it on a plastic tie. I do
usually hang them in all possible places ... remember how this started?
Me talking about hanging some in the cotoneaster? :))


Yes and yes, I did and do. Spreading the food around helps deal with
territorial issues, disease (not too much feeding and pooping in one
place), and predators to a large extent.


sigh it seems the sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm) won't be necessary
after all and doubt it will make an appearance in future years ;) He
bought that guttering for the side of the shed so I suspect it will be
used for that purpose now:)


Hope he bought the waterbutt and downpipe, too;~).


I use a lot of fatball feeders, and this is my favourite type:-

http://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/our-s...Feeder-Cage/87


I also use suet blocks in dedicated wire block cages, which are very
readily used. Avoid buying flimsy ones if you can; I've lost count of
the ones I've thrown out:~(.

I don't think I've ever seen a cage. Usually in the winter I buy blocks
of dripping, melt it and mix in seeds and set them in bun trays with a
piece of string for hanging them. I have all the dripping and seeds but
forgot with all the other preparations so we bought a bucket of the ones
in nets as a quick solution.


There are several designs on the cage-type feeder. I like them because
they often hold as many as three fatballs, meaning I don't have to rush
out and refill them every day. There's nothing wrong with the home-made
type, though. I've done that myself in the past and probably will
again. They're just as welcome.


Traditional peanut feeders are also very welcome.

We already have those and use them.


RG is currently using
a see-through plastic tube type with feeding portals. They can be
bought for seed or mixed foods.

The one we are using for peanuts is a clear tube. Hmmm... I am sure we
had some that was mainly mesh. Were they the proper ones for peanuts?


Yes, mesh ones are better in my opinion, as they allow more birds to
feed at once. There's also less chance of the nuts going mouldy in a
mesh feeder. Mouldy nuts can be harmful for birds.


RG's one is currently holding suet
pellets, sunflower hearts and mealworms (not live ones). This feeder
is *loved* by all the little birds. We've even seen robins on it
(they adore mealworms), and they usually prefer ground-or-table feeding.

Another treat I occasionally offer is raw pastry when I've got some
spare. Birds will turn cartwheels for this!:~)) Grated cheese is
enjoyed as well, but not strong cheddar (too salty, I think). Mild
chedder or one of the creamy cheeses always goes down well.

That is news for me! Noted! In the winter especially, I make suet
pastry so ...


Great. They'll love that!:~))


Hope this gives you some ideas.

It most certainly does!! Especially the one about pastry!!

I hope you appreciate that you will
hence forth feed like a pauper while your birds are feasting in
style?:~). Feeding birds is addictive!

LOL I can feel it happening already ...

As always, Spider, thanks for all the great advice:)) I really
appreciate it!


You're welcome, Ophelia. I should also have said that a reliable source
of fresh water is essential, too. They need it for bathing as well as
drinking. I must say I wouldn't want a chilly outdoor bath at this time
of year, but it apparently keeps birds' feathers clean and fluffed up so
they can keep themselves warm.
--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

Well, this is fun...
 

"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 28/12/2014 11:16, Ophelia wrote:


"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 27/12/2014 15:33, Ophelia wrote:


"Spider" wrote in message
...
On 26/12/2014 23:03, Sacha wrote:
the gales are back. It was about 7C at 3pm today so brisk but not
bitter. But this damned wind is really unpleasant, scurrying round
windows and howling down chimneys.



We've had very strong winds here through the night. RG had to get up
at 4am and close the bedroom window because a birdfeeder was banging
against it and keeping us awake. He took the bird feeder down, too,
of course. It's clear the birds really missed it because they flew to
it as if it was magnetised once RG put it back. If birds could
stampede, they would have done!

I haven't ventured outside to check the garden, so I'm keeping my
fingers crossed. It's supposed to be much nicer in the London area
tomorrow. I'll check it then.

We always got various birds feeding in our garden but since we have the
new sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm)

LOL!

Do you think we ought to patent it? ;-)


Having noted the way this conversation is going, perhaps not, but hubby's
idea was an excellent stopgap which has already helped lots of birds:~).

g He was just saying how the starlings are seeing off the other birds on
the guttering, so spreading the food around will be much better.

only starlings are coming ... and a
lot of them! Are they keeping the other birds away?



They could be, but starlings (I call them starvlings) need feeding and
they've been in decline over recent years, so they need help, too.

You will find that the more feeders you have - and the more widely
spread - the more birds you will safely attract. It helps to put
feeders near protective cover so the birds feel safe, but not so
protected that cats can conceal themselves. Not always easy in a
small garden. You could make use of your apple and holly trees when
hanging feeders.

Did you see the ball he hung on the tree? He had taken off the
netting, drilled a hole through it and hung it on a plastic tie. I do
usually hang them in all possible places ... remember how this started?
Me talking about hanging some in the cotoneaster? :))


Yes and yes, I did and do. Spreading the food around helps deal with
territorial issues, disease (not too much feeding and pooping in one
place), and predators to a large extent.

Good information:) Thanks.

sigh it seems the sooper dooper fancy feeder (tm) won't be necessary
after all and doubt it will make an appearance in future years ;) He
bought that guttering for the side of the shed so I suspect it will be
used for that purpose now:)


Hope he bought the waterbutt and downpipe, too;~).

He has the waterbutt, downpipe, seals and brackets and was talking about
installing it when the guttering was diverted:))

It was a fast solution to the problem but now we can see there are much
better options:) I doubt it will stay up long as a feeder, he wants to
get it installed:)

It was fun to see all the starlings descending though:) I haven't seen that
many here before.

I use a lot of fatball feeders, and this is my favourite type:-

http://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/our-s...Feeder-Cage/87


I also use suet blocks in dedicated wire block cages, which are very
readily used. Avoid buying flimsy ones if you can; I've lost count of
the ones I've thrown out:~(.

I don't think I've ever seen a cage. Usually in the winter I buy blocks
of dripping, melt it and mix in seeds and set them in bun trays with a
piece of string for hanging them. I have all the dripping and seeds but
forgot with all the other preparations so we bought a bucket of the ones
in nets as a quick solution.


There are several designs on the cage-type feeder. I like them because
they often hold as many as three fatballs, meaning I don't have to rush
out and refill them every day. There's nothing wrong with the home-made
type, though. I've done that myself in the past and probably will again.
They're just as welcome.


Traditional peanut feeders are also very welcome.

We already have those and use them.


RG is currently using
a see-through plastic tube type with feeding portals. They can be
bought for seed or mixed foods.

The one we are using for peanuts is a clear tube. Hmmm... I am sure we
had some that was mainly mesh. Were they the proper ones for peanuts?


Yes, mesh ones are better in my opinion, as they allow more birds to feed
at once. There's also less chance of the nuts going mouldy in a mesh
feeder. Mouldy nuts can be harmful for birds.

Thanks!!!



RG's one is currently holding suet
pellets, sunflower hearts and mealworms (not live ones). This feeder
is *loved* by all the little birds. We've even seen robins on it
(they adore mealworms), and they usually prefer ground-or-table feeding.

Another treat I occasionally offer is raw pastry when I've got some
spare. Birds will turn cartwheels for this!:~)) Grated cheese is
enjoyed as well, but not strong cheddar (too salty, I think). Mild
chedder or one of the creamy cheeses always goes down well.

That is news for me! Noted! In the winter especially, I make suet
pastry so ...


Great. They'll love that!:~))


Hope this gives you some ideas.

It most certainly does!! Especially the one about pastry!!

I hope you appreciate that you will
hence forth feed like a pauper while your birds are feasting in
style?:~). Feeding birds is addictive!

LOL I can feel it happening already ...

As always, Spider, thanks for all the great advice:)) I really
appreciate it!


You're welcome, Ophelia. I should also have said that a reliable source
of fresh water is essential, too. They need it for bathing as well as
drinking.

There are ponds nearby so I think they will be ok for water.

I must say I wouldn't want a chilly outdoor bath at this time
of year, but it apparently keeps birds' feathers clean and fluffed up so
they can keep themselves warm.

Thank you again:)))


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/