hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn December 2018 | Page 13

things on their minds. Perhaps the world contains many obsessed beings, all sharing a similar space, but rarely aware of the others’ preoccupations. I still wonder what the birds’ plans were… As I had not experienced anything quite like this before, I became suspicious about other possible behavioural pattern changes. The first time I witnessed these tits at Millstream Fork was two months later, the following February. From then they began to be more frequent visitors. Nowadays they have finally become established patrons. I am no longer surprised to see them flitting between the trees surrounding the garden, and then feeding on the seeds, nuts and fat-balls on display. It seems that they have now included Millstream Fork as part of their new territory. In the wild survival is never guaranteed. So it probably began one winter when parents were bringing their first year juveniles here to get assured and easy meals during the coldest and hardest parts of the year. Despite these tits systematically feeding at Millstream Fork, it is unlikely that they will nest here. They usually build their homes in shrubberies, creating small, domed, egg shaped nests. Interestingly nest builders use soft materials such as moss and even cobwebs in their nest construction. This could be for insulation, adhesion, weathering and waterproofing. By giving ourselves permission, time and effort to collaborate with animals living in our own spheres we can all make a difference, even if it is only with such a simple thing as wildlife gardening. Contact Andy on 01895 520184 | email [email protected] | www.ffes.org.uk Andy Mydellton, author and journalist, leads the South Buckinghamshire registered charity, the Foundation for Endangered Species. Being based in South Bucks, they are in a position to advise people in this area about wildlife. ● ● ● ● ● Close board Panels Gates Post and Rail Picket Sheds ● Security Fencing ● Tree work ● Decking ● WE LEAD, THE REST FOLLOW 01494 865771 07775 683925 Free take down and clearance for all domestic customers Established 45 years [email protected] www.barlowsfencing.co.uk hiyabucks.com | 13