Monday 17 January 2011

My first wildlife posting

I haven't long moved in to Chester Le Street but from what I've seen I am loving so far.  Ive only been here just short of two months and I seemed to have bagged a twitchers paradise garden.

Before moving here I lived in Jarrow near Primrose nature reserve and there id take the dogs walking and enjoy the little bit of wildlife that would grace the place.
Ive been passionate about wildlife since being young when my parents used to take me to Chopwell Woods and go on long walks in the most beautiful forests.

I have lovely memories of those days when I was young and I am sure that I used to hear more birds singing back then but to be honest wonder now if that was just because when we are young everything seems much bigger, brighter and better?

Living in Jarrow is where my interest in birds came in to full swing because there was all sorts of birds id not even seen before. Id previously lived in South Shields where you were very lucky to see Pigeons never mind a house sparrow.

In my new garden there are Robins, Dunnocks, Black birds, Song thrush, Blue tits, Long tailed tits, Great tits, Coal tits, Chaffinch, wood pigeon daily. My regular but not daily visitors are Great spotted woodpecker, Nuthatch & 2 gray squirrels. Also at night I hear owls, probably little own by the sounds of it.

I am happy to report that today I got my first Bullfinch and Goldfinch. Its freezing at the moment and my garden looks like a wildlife sanctuary. I cant imagine how busy it will get in the spring/summer time.

Im looking in to planting new trees/hedgerow and plants that will provide food and extra habitat for my new friends all year round. Ive done a bit of research on what attracts what but if anyone can shed some extra light on which shrubs etc they have been lucky with, Id love to know?

I need help on getting the best camera for still shots, I've heard Canon mentioned a lot on bird forums but if any one can give advice to get the crispest of quality id be over the moon?

There will be lots of pictures and video content of my garden birds and what ever else I can find in the bushes plus I plan on venturing out and about to get used to the area and enjoy the walks it has to offer.

Thanks for reading.
Lauren.

9 comments:

  1. Im sooo happy for you Lauren plus i Looove you..
    Ps im one of your first subies from almost 3 years ago on YT...
    You are great
    Kisss Sarah

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  2. Definately plant lots of sunflowers then leave the heads on them once they have finished flowering - we still have our not-so-pretty brown and droopy sunflowers from the Summer but the tits love them and they have kept them going through the winter - watch out though as the squirrels may get there first! Good luck with your garden, it sounds fantastic x

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  3. I LOVE wildlife as well as your make up, so this is going to be a great blog to follow. I've been wondering about a good camera to use as well, but mostly for all around use like on vacations. I go camera crazy : ) Pictures of your 'sanctuary' will be very nice and appreciated! Thanks Lauren!

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  4. Lauren, great idea this wildlife blog! And if you are not already bound to certain brands, I would advice you to try Nikon :) Smarter menues + just.. better.
    http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d3100/ check this one out.

    The P7000 is a more budget alternative.

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  5. Thanks everyone for your lovely comments & advice on plants and cameras :)
    Ive got some little clips that I will post as much as possible of the garden & what comes to it.

    Take care,
    Lauren.

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  6. Hi Lauren

    Love the blog - great idea!

    I'm just about embark on building my garden. I've read that mulberry and juniper bushes attract birds and wildlife and a buddleia will attract butterflies and bees.

    Good luck with it all, Lauren!

    Laura x

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  7. Hu Lauren

    good luck with your blog! As for suggestions - you need to create a framework of varying sized shrubs and trees - some that are closed in and others with more open habits - that way you get to see your wildlife but they also feel safe. here's some plant suggestions for you - some for shelter some for food.

    cotoneaster
    Ilex (holly)
    Hedera (Ivy)
    Ceanothus
    buddleja
    Syringa (lilac)
    Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) either as a hedge or tree
    Berberis
    pyracantha (very spiny - great for added security around property)
    Lonicera (honeysuckle)
    Viburnum (varied types)
    Malus 'Red Sentinel' - crab apple (lots of other varieties to choose from)
    Prunus (Cherry trees)

    The more native species you have the better.

    Hope this helps a bit

    all the best

    Jane xx

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  8. Thanks so much Jane, its much appreciated :)

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  9. I love that you love the birds and wildlife so much. Here in western Canada, I get sparrows, nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers. My cat loves to sit at the window and watch them all....

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