I thought this was by another Steve given the title, then I thought cats, can't be, I have got to have a look at this. And what a lovely story it is, I should have recognised Grace by now, and good to know that she's doing her bit for wildlife, even though, mice and men and all that, its a shame they were not cooperating, but you did get some lovely shots. The ducks, what a crafty bunch they are, if the dogs on the lead they leave it to the last minute to plop in the water, they think its funny that my arm is nearly pulled out of its socket. That was most enjoyable Steve, thanks for that.

nice set of photos i was impressed with the photo taken at your daughters 20 miles away your camera has really good zoom lol

good set of photos well done

Great blog Steve. At least the birds cooperated for a short while, enough for you to get some great shots.  Haven't got any birdboxes, but leave out the fluff from my tumble dryer filter and in the past, have had blackbirds, wrens and linnets nesting in my small garden.  Amusing commentary and really enjoyed looking...thanks.

Hi Steve.

Some great shots. Cats and birds do not always mix. My Blue Tits have not been around for the last few weeks. I hope she is sitting in the nest box keeping warm, so don't give up on your box just yet. Hole sizes are important 25mm for Blue Tits, 28mm for Great Tits and 32mm For Sparrows.

See my Blog http://www.myfinepix.fr/blog/812250/454792

Watch this space for when the youing birds hatch.

Dave.

Good blog Steve.

Mike

My Dinosaur zoo blog: http://www.myfinepix.fr/blog/2002/461337

My 'Portmeirion', Wales blog: http://www.myfinepix.fr/blog/2002/449361

Thanks Jim, 20 miles and round corners as well!  Thanks for the comment (and Nigel too)

great blog Steve with super shots and lovely commentary - if they don't nest this year lets hope they will next year when they realise you are furnishing it for them!!

thanks for sharing

The first thing I have to say is what lovely clean windows you have!!

Brilliant blog, love the narrative and love the captures of the blue tit going almost upside down to pull the hair out of the feeder, that really made me smile!!

Thank you for sharing, it was so interesting and has left me wanting more.

Viv

Smashin blog Steve.  A story with humour and interest, (ex teacher see!!!) accompanied by great photos.  Everything a blog should be.  that's why I wonder you have not visited my latest one!! Lol

Great stuff Steve.  Loved it.

A great photoblog with some really different shots and a storyline.  Loved the sequence of the tit pulling the hair out for nesting material.  You have made the common mallards look really interesting by the way you have photographed them. A lot more imagination used than required to capture animals in zoos and flowers in pots. Real photography - nice to see.

Brilliant blog Steve, and a great idea for using Grace's fur. I would be happy to watch those Blue Tits for hours. Thanks for sticking with it and sharing your photos with us.

A brilliant story blog......loved the duck you nearly kicked lol

lovely blog...like the others watching the blue tit get the fur made me smile.  

I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog.  I love the humour and the pictures of the tits gathering nesting are super and so funny, and the photos of the ducks amazing. Did Grace object to using her fur for bird nesting ... I have a 17 year old, he is not senile, he is not deaf, he is not quiet -  he is vocal, wants to eat 24/7 and I mean every hour I am awake ... but we love him.  Carol

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Reminder to self: Creativity is the ability to move from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm - Winston Churchill

HiHo Steve,  Thanks for your comment on my mouse topic,  Glad it's not just me that gets uptight trying to get shots of garden birds and their nest building antics. At the present count there are five nesting boxes around my garden and despite some exciement in January when it looked as if a Pair of wrens were about to take up residence, nothing, ziltch, zero for third year in a row. Though I did have a wasp colony in one two years back, still it's the trying that keeps you active.  Liked your blog some nice pictures, variety and humour which is how it should be.

Regards Colin.