Do you ever get that feeling.....

does the magpie rhyme also apply to moorhens? if so i cant remember what 8 was for or wasnt there one for 8??
seven was for a secret never to be told!!!

ah found it:

"1 for sorrow
2 for joy
3 for a girl and
4 for a boy
5 for silver
6 for gold
7 is a secret never to be told
8 is a wish and
9 is a kiss
10 is a bird you must not miss"

Certainly couldn't miss this lot, Sticki! I often have one or two in the garden scratching about but this was such a lovely surprise :)

What a lot you got!! I was wondering that too Sticki :o)

i take it there is a pond nearby?

I only ever knew that rhyme went up to seven, Sticki.

Brilliant Gee!

Well i only knew up to 7 but I googled it, maybe someone made the rest up?

We could do another different one for moorhens?

I agree Gee lovely to see them.

Brilliant!

A large village pond just over the back fence, Sticki, I never tire of watching what goes on with my neighbours :)

How amazing Gee, you are very honoured to receive such guests.

What a lovely treat for you, you are so lucky having them in your garden;0)

Good heavens have never seen these in a garden, what a sight to behold!!

That is amazing! Great blog Gill and smashing photos too. :-))

smashing blog, great photo's

they nest on our pond and during this last snowfall the three of them are haunting under the birdtable for anything thats dropped... the size of their feet marks in the snow always seem out of proportion to their bodies,
8 is a wonderful sight to see

I also thought of the magpie rhyme Sticki lol :D

I was thinking of the 'Ten Green Bottles' song . . . 8 Black Moorhens sitting on the wall . . . :-))

Strange you should say that, MW, I have another photo of one black moorhen falling off the 'wall' - tried to land and didn't quite make it :)

Had you put some food out or is that a very large hint? Gee, they are great pics..

I think they were hinting, Lincslass, but I don't really know what they like to eat. You've got me going now - I will have to Google it :)

The answer is - snails, insects, small fish and berries. They are very welcome to all the snails in my garden :)

arent they just lovely Gee, i normally get one comes in winter to my garden, but not this year as its been milder here with no snow, lucky you having so many visit you :o))