It started with rain

The day started with rain.  During the showers Murphy and I did a cook tour of the garden checking the bird feeders. And of course taking photos.  This is the poppy that I planted last week.

Later it stopped and I did some maintenance in the garden.  

I watched the nesting box for a while.  Its definitely empty.  And then I looked more closely.  Something ie the rat has been chewing at the hole.

Having failed to buy a dog friendly rat killer in the area, it is on order and I've also ordered a protector for the nesting box hole.  Nothing is going to hurt them next year.