July 2011 part 8

25th Fledgling Goldfinch on feeder fluttering for food.

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) The nest is buit towards the end of the branch looking precariuos. It is a neat cup made of moss, grasses, small roots and lichen lined with down , hair and feathers. The 4-6 eggs are incubated for 13-15 dyas. The young leave the nest after 11 days and are fed for a further week. 2 broods sometimes 3.
26th Spent a happy hour this morning watching the acrobatic display of 5 bluetits as they feed. They are joined by 2 great tits, young goldfinch,  a coletit, a male and female blackbird and a starling. Later a young collared dove comes to the garden.

Collared Dove (Steptopelia decaoto). They lay 2 eggs from Feb-Oct but mainly in May. They are incubated by both parents for 14-18 days. The young remain in the nest for 19 days becoming independent after another week. Can be 5 broods.
29th Another day watching all the young feeding . The adults seem to be scarce as they often are at this time of year. They are around but resting after all their hard work and molting old feathers.
Its been the coldest July since 1998.