MAY

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 and peanuts, and occasionally fruit. 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. During warm weather and in the middle of the day, you are less likely to spot squirrels.

Pine martens do visit the garden probably mainly at night although they have been seen during the day as well. Wandering badgers and foxes also visit. Stoats are definitely present 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. Jays sometimes frequent the bird feeders and buzzards, ravens and sparrowhawk are regular overhead. Red kites are also now being seen more frequently. Always a good idea to keep a look out above! 

Various species of bumblebees nest and feed in the garden. They are important pollinators and feed especially on rhododendron and Pieris flowers. The first Bee Flies will be feeding on primulas on warm days in April/May. Peacock, orange-tip and green veined white butterflies have already been seen in April.