I think George the blackbird may be sulking....

[mineofuselessinformation]

....because I cleaned out the bird bath yesterday.
The thing is, usually he comes for a bath every day (and is very particular - he even has a routine, head, body, left wing, right wing, tail).
He didn't come today.
The only other reason I can think of is that he's got his mate now, so isn't so fussed about personal hygiene any more!
Ronald the pigeon and his girlfriend are currently perching on the fence waiting for me to bugger off so they can have a drink..... 😁

[Deathraystare]

The only other reason I can think of is that he's got his mate now, so isn't so fussed about personal hygiene any more!

That seems to be a regular cry on Mumsnet - so it is not just humans then!!

[fortifiedwithtea]

I love a bird bath thread, something cheerful to distract from our troubles.

Our bird bath is now in the front garden because we have a huge daft dog who would knock it over where it used to be in the back.

Our nesting pair of blackbirds don’t mind the extra commute. Mrs Blackbird was not happy about the facilities yesterday. Not enough water, too many sludgey leaves. Later a single starling enjoyed mixed bathing with 4 house sparrows. All friends together 😁 . Topped up with fresh water.

Today didn’t see Mrs Blackbird bath but I think she had a long dip as she spent a long time drying off on the lawn. Sparrows too thirsty to wait for me to leave. Judging by the tweets, think I was told to buggar off in Sparrow.

[catinthewindow]

I have found my people. DH thinks I’m slightly mad and kind of goes along with my chatter about mr and mrs blackbird (Colin and Cynthia) and the starling boys. He looks like a rabbit in headlights unsure what to do when I ask him if he thinks George / Sandie / Clive etc (the sparrows) have put on weight and whether that’s an issue 😂🤔

[mineofuselessinformation]

@fortifiedwithtea, my bird bath is actually a shallowish round plastic pot. I've filled it with large stones (flint) to give something to stand on, so even the little birds can find a depth that suits them. It sits on a manhole cover which is artfully placed in my back lawn grass.
@catinthewindow, I also have a Mr and Mrs Great Tit who I hope are nesting in a photinia bush. (If they're not, they're making a bloody racket for nothing!)

[rainbowninja]

Ooh love it! Definitely got lots of regular bird visitors to the garden, just need to give them some names! The goldfinch family are regular visitors to the feeder, we have a bird bath but it's not in a great spot for viewing

[Deathraystare]

I do miss having a garden :(. The pigeons on the roof across from me do not count!

[PocketFullOfPuddocks]

We have a nest box camera this year and have spent the last 2 weeks watching a pair of blue tits fill it with nesting material and start to make it home. The kids and I have been fascinated. Then yesterday a 3rd blue tit came in and spent all day taking all the moss and grass out. He’s not even taking it for his own place, just dropping it on the ground! The original pair have been fighting with it and trying to refill it but they are losing. DS6 has named the new one badtit 😂. DH and I are far too invested, he wanted to go out last night and refill the box for the goodtits!

[mineofuselessinformation]

Someone has had a sneaky splash this morning when I wasn't looking....
And to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

[mineofuselessinformation]

He's back!
I refilled the birdbath today as a lot of the water had evaporated.
Within minutes, a collar dove came to drink, and then George appeared (scaring off the dove in the process).
He had a drink first, then hopped in. Clearly the water was a bit chilly, as he got out again, but then decided to go for it!

[rainbowninja]

Nice to know that George has returned! 😊

Really like your bird bath set up, would love something similar but garden is on a bit of a slope and we seem to have a lot of play equipment for one 6 year old 🤔

[ExJasper]

I think George was probably busy today - I suspect he may have been at the funeral so didn't come at his usual time.

[mineofuselessinformation]

@ExJasper, I suspect he's been on 'prospective partner' duties rather than anything else (no disrespect intended).
It was lovely to see him back, having a good splash!

[HazelBite]

Eric, the pheasant is only visiting us once a day. He used to come and shout for his breakfast and again mid afternoon for his tea, but I think the sap is rising and he is otherwise engaged!