It’s ‘bloody’ hot for November and to make matters worse we are locked down for the next 6 days due to a Coronavirus cluster. A sensible response by our state government however inconvenient it might seem. For me that means no roaming the city and bush camera in hand. Consequently, I shall focus on my own back yard for the next few days and share my observations with you.
Rainbow Lorikeets tucking in
Each morning I spike an apple and two orange halves to the top of the trellis down by the washing line then scatter bird seed and some small cat biscuits across the lawn and flower beds. In addition, a bell-shaped commercial seed mass sits in an unused hanging basket. This little avian feast plus two bird baths usually attracts a variety of diners from blackbirds to mudlarks and parrots.
Ratty and seed bell
Today the birds have a rival. A Grey Rat shoots out from underneath a tangled growth of ivy and chases them. It climbs to the top of the trellis and starts to nibble on the seed bell. Over the next couple of hours this rat/bird pantomime continues and I get the distinct impression that the rat is playing a game as it frequently avoids the food only to hide then rush out again.
My observation are at an end as dinner time approaches.
I will write again tomorrow.
Enjoy your garden and take care in these difficult times.
Cheers
Baz
All of these images were shot on a Canon EOS1300D and Tamron 18-400
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Love the photos. I stopped putting out bird seed because of the rats, I get so frustrated when after waiting all year for fruit the rats attack everything before it’s even ripe. I appreciate the beauty of them but would rather they were all in your yard!
Hi Sue
Sympathise with that
So far one little rat maybe a couple
If they become a nuisance will have to get rid of them
No fruit trees
Cheers
B