Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi all

I am new to this forum and would like to say how much I enjoy this site.

Yesterday evening I went up to my plot and found that a house sparrow fledling had got into my greenhouse. It must of got in through the roof vent and the autovent had closed down trapping the bird in there. It was manically trying to get out and kept flying into the glass. I opened the door, hoping it would find its own way out. Eventually it let me pick it up and I put it down away from sight of predators. It sat very still for about half an hour before flying away to my extreme relief.

I was wondering if this is an unusual one off, or if any of you had a similar experience. I am considering try to attach some net to the sides of the roof vent to prevent it happening again.

Thankfully it was a bit overcast yesterday, so the greenhouse was not as cooking as it has been earlier this week.

Any advice welcome,

Cheers all

Splinter

Hi Splinter and welcome to the vine!
I had a similar problem last year just after I put my greenhouse up. There was one small pane of glass missing above the door, which was shut. I went into it to find a small sparrow flying around. I was really upset, but not as upset as the sparrow!
I couldnt make it go out of the door and it was getting more and more distressed.
All I could do was leave the door open and then checked again after a while and fortunately, it had flown out and away.
I think you did a brill thing yesterday, frightened birds are not easy to catch - but at least we've had a happy ending to two stories which could have turned out differently!
Looking forward to reading your posts and how you get on growing your own!
Best wishes
Bernie aka Dexterdog

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Appreciate the little things in life because one day you will realise they are the big things

Hi Dexterdog

Thanks for your welcome to the vine. I'm pleased your story ended up a happy one too. I was so relieved to see it fly away, especially as I try to encourage the wildlife onto my plot.

Take care

Splinter

Have a look at Mr and Mrs Duck, Splinter - they are now bringing their friends for breakfast....must try and get some more photos!
Bernie aka Dexterdog

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Appreciate the little things in life because one day you will realise they are the big things

Hi Dextor

I the village where I live there is a flock (????) of Muscovy Ducks that are often wandering up and down the High Street. They come up to the allotment and sit on my bench made from old pallets. My kids think its really funny. Some of the other plot holders always chase them off on sight, which I think is a real shame. Some people reckon they eat seedlings, but they have never caused any damage to my plot. Maybe my plants are not up to their standards???

cheers

Splinter

Hi Splinter
We only have a very small stream at the edge of our estate - goodness knows where mr and mrs duck and all their mates come from! I obviously have a good reputation for food, judging from the last few years! Will keep mr and mrs duck site updated with appropriate photos!
I wish I lived somewhere as lovely as you - as it is, Lostock Hall, Preston on the edge of a housing estate will have to do!
Bernie aka Dexterdog

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Appreciate the little things in life because one day you will realise they are the big things

Hi Dexter,

I have to agree I am so lucky to live down here and to have my allotment. It overlooks the village and surrounding hills up to Dartmoor, giving fantastic sunsets. The allotment does not have some of the rules/ conditions imposed that I have read about here and you are pretty much free to do whatever you want. Everyone seems to have a mutual respect for each other and their plots, which is maybe why there are not any rules?

I have made so many new friends there and my kids thinks its great, as we have no garden at home. At present the kids and I are making a den out of old pallets and other bits n bobs.

Though you are on the edge of an estate, your enjoyment and satisfaction must be the same and you obviously have a lot of love for it?

Take Care

Splinter

Hi Splinter
You live where I would love to live! I have read all the stories by Marcia Willet, based in your neck of the woods.......Second would be where I am now! So, despite noisy children etc am very happy to plod around my very small back garden (you can virtually see it all in Dexters photo!) now that I have my half lottie Im in heaven!
Trouble is, have spent that much time on lottie back garden needs a bit of work! Am doing it bit by bit but enjoying myself in the greenhouse meantime.
Bernie aka Dexterdog

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Appreciate the little things in life because one day you will realise they are the big things

Hello Splinter and welcome to the Vine. Nice to have a *Fellow Devonian* on board. Wish you happy gardening on sunny Dartmoor...Lauren

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"A good gardener always plants 3 seeds - one for the bugs, one for the weather and one for himself.” - Leo Aikman
Lauren

Hi Lauren,

Thanks for the welcome, hope you are enjoying the sunshine too. I have got so much done in the last couple of weeks, as had a bit of time off work.

Cheers

Splinter

Just posted a similar item on another thread - you want 'screen door fabric', a metal mesh that the americans use for screen doors! Wonderful at keeping unwanted critters out of the greenhouse!

Can be used to cover auto vents, louvres and doorways.

Well done rescuing the sparrow - we need all we can save!

Terry

Hello ther Splinter!!
And welcome to the Madhouse.....

Terry- where do you get the mesh for the greenhouse???
What another fantastic day!!!!

Hi Terry & Nicos

Thanks for the welcome and advice, will look into it.

Cheers

Splinter

Hi Nicos,
I think the metal mesh comes from the states but you can get fabric mesh from hardware stores or ebay, it's not too expensive.

if you make a frame of appropriate size, and/or fix velcro around the opening in question, you can fix the mesh to the frame or stitch/glue velcro.

Just remember if using for an auto vent you will need to leave a slit for the vent arm!

If you want a hanging curtain across a doorway, use two flaps, one fixed to the top and side at each side, overlapping by about a third of the width of the opening. If you weight the bottom with curtain weights or a dowel the flaps should stay down, allowing you access and closing behind you.

Hope this helps

Terry

Thanks- will look into it Terry!