I'd noticed my hibiscus leaves and flowers had that 'nibbled-on' and slightly shredded look and now I know why.
My wood pigeons are back, foraging on the Spring growth and thoroughly enjoying themselves in the garden. I love them. They arrive with that distinctive whooping sound and, despite their size, manage to land gently on the thin limbs of the hibiscus which bow under their weight. I am pleased there is still plenty of bush around our bay for them to find food, and look forward to more visits as we move into warmer weather.
Our bay does have alot of bush all around which makes it quite the haven for our native birds. The tuis are thriving, as they seem to do in almost any environment, and now they appear to be staking out their patches. There is more squabbling, dive bombing, flying through the bush like black fighter jets. How they navigate the trees and garden without hitting trees, cats, or me, well, it's quite a feat. I make sure the bird bath on the front lawn is always full because this is thirsty work and of course a good flap about in the water keeps one looking one's sleek and beautiful best.
All this bird activity intrigues my friend Poppy the cat. She lives next door and prowls about my place, sitting up on the lawn and watching, weighing up the size of the wood pigeons and her ability to tackle one (no) and the tuis and her speed to catch one (no). Heaven forbid that she should ever try and my neighbour says Poppy's expertise is rats, not birds, rodents she brings into the house with regularity and deposits on the bed for her mum to admire and praise.
After a long, cold and drenching winter, one can feel Spring on the way.
The days are lengthening and they seem a little bit warmer.
The birds are lively and the flowers are blooming into their bright colour.