A check up with the sheep

Ducklings 6, lambs 0.

I went off to check the sheep to see if the lambs had started arriving but found ducklings in the pond in the paddock instead.  The first I have seen for this year. Spring must definitely be on the way.

No lambs have arrived yet but it should be soon, maybe the first ones next week.  The ewes are looking good and the weather is certainly warming up, although we can have the odd nasty spell in August so we won't call winter over yet.

Elena decided to come and check out the camera.  She shouldn't be having a lamb because she is not quite a year old yet, although she is looking rather round and teenage pregnancies have been known to happen.  Maybe she's just eating well.

This is my lovely fat Molly.  She was the last one to lamb last year but I don't think she will be this year.

Bring on the babies!!!

A little feathered encounter

Silvereye or Wax-eye

                

I saved a life today.  This little New Zealand native bird called the Silvereye or Wax-eye flew into the window and crash landed beside the pond.  I went outside and picked him up and held him until he got it all together again.  Then after a wee pep talk I put him on a branch out of cats way.  He kindly posed for some photos which was great because you can never get close enough to these super fast moving little birds.

They are smaller than a sparrow, about 12cm long, and move around in flocks.  Apparently they have a brush tipped tongue (although he wasn't up to showing me) and mainly eat insects, fruit and nectar.

  

I think he's just about over me now - looking bright eyed and ready to depart.

He was soon on his way joining his group who were busy in the next tree.

Any day you make a difference is a good day!

Link to  Wild Bird Wednesday