Nature – Page 11 – Earthly Comforts

Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden: Tips for Attracting Pollinators

We can all do our bit for nature, and we don’t need to have considerable gardens to provide a duty of care to our wildlife,

Promoting Biodiversity: Creating a Butterfly Haven

I have discussed in previous content how to attract insects, bees and birds to your garden; however, now l will discuss butterflies.

Enhancing Garden Ecosystems: Eco-Friendly Slug and Snail Management

I am often asked what advice l can give gardeners regarding invasions of slugs and snails and how to stop them naturally. This is always a tricky question with never an easy answer.

Discovering the Charms of Starlings: A Guide to Sturnidae Garden Visits

Starlings, known for their gregarious behavior, visit the garden for suet and water. They change color in winter and have a varied diet. Their decline since the 1980s requires conservation efforts. While beneficial for controlling pests, large flocks can damage crops. Predators include larger birds, owls, and domestic cats.

The Blackbird (Turdus merula): Facts, Habits, and Nesting Behavior

The blackbird, also known as Turdus merula, is a popular British bird species known for its sweet, melodic song. Males are black with an orangey yellow beak, while females are brown. They are omnivorous and serve as helpful garden companions by foraging for insects and worms. Blackbirds are known as mates for life and have a breeding season from March to July, producing 3 – 5 blue and green-speckled eggs per clutch. These birds have an average life expectancy of 3 – 5 years and face food scarcity as a major threat.