Spring is here at Cluny

The numerous red squirrels at Cluny are very active throughout most of the day but especially when they are fed around 0900-0930 with hazelnuts, sunflower seed, fruit and peanuts. Apart from at the feeders, if you go around the garden quietly, taking your time you should see the squirrels foraging on the ground or scampering off up a tree. No 5, at the Big Tree is a good spot to sit and watch them for as long as you want.

Pine martens do visit the garden probably mainly at night although they have been seen during the day as well. Wandering badgers also visit. Stoats are around and you may be lucky enough to see one.

Many woodland bird species are present including 3 types of tits, bullfinch, treecreeper, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldcrest, great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, blackbird, long-tailed tit, jackdaw, song and mistle thrushes and now much better numbers of house sparrow. Summer migrants have arrived including chiffchaff, blackcap and willow warbler. Tawny owls breed in the garden and the male has been heard hooting during the day most days! Jays frequent the bird feeders and buzzards and ravens are regular overhead. Red kites are also now being seen more frequently. Always a good idea to keep a look out above!