Wednesday 30th October 2024

Why did I have y camera fitted with the big boy lens all day?

Because I can reveal we have seen a new species seen in the garden.

I had put peanuts out late the night before, so some dawn on Wednesday, there was a good selection of corvids feeding on the ground: magpies, carrion crow and a raven.

But one was feeding, and took off as I went into the utility room, so the movement must have spooked it, but there was no doubting the red bill holding a peanut.

Later, I saw either the same or another Chough, flying over the garden, then call, and do two loop the loops, something I have never seen any other corvid do, and indeed is one of the identification tips.

Last year some red billed Choughs were released near to Dover Castle, and this year at least one pair bred.

But this is the first time I have seen one, other than in Spain.

Other birds seen included the usual clutch of wood pigeons, goldfinches, house sparrows, dunnocks and a wren.

Also feeding was the family of brown rats, one I snapped as it dashed out to gather a nut from the turf off the lawnmeadow.

That was exciting.

About the only thing that was. Until late in the afternoon, there was an emergency department meeting (never a good sign) and news that another interim manager had been appointed.

So, more change.

Eleven managers in ten years, and the first one, Bo, had been in charge for several years. One lady, was our manager for barely a month due to changes.

The only constant is change. Apparently.

Once the afternoon ends, I make chorizo hash, and wash it down with a new beer, an 11.5% imperial stout which cost seventeen quid for a small bottle.

Was robust in the extreme.

And, as ever, the evening was spent recovering and watching football.