Don’t you love seeing the tiny crocuses and daffodils poking their heads through the soil when you’re out walking? It is one of the first signs that spring is springing and the weather should soon warm up. It is the time of year that I notice the birds reappearing from their winter hideouts and busying … Read more
It’s days like today, wet, windy, and cold, that makes me feel sorry for our feathered friends. The wind has just blown my half-filled wheelie bin over, and that was in a semi-sheltered place. My poor garden visitors mustn’t stand a chance! I got to thinking; looking into the garden and beyond, I can’t see … Read more
I am fortunate to have a pretty duck pond within walking distance of my home. It is a favourite haunt of my granddaughter’s and mine, usually armed with half a loaf of leftover bread. We rarely see other people there; sometimes some dog walkers, and occasionally other families feeding the birds. Recently, we entered the … Read more
Sunflower seeds are a favourite go-to of mine to top up feeders. They’re small enough to fit in most holders and seem to attract a wide range of birds. Sometimes, when there is a feeding frenzy, it is difficult to see which birds eat what foods. I like to know which species favour certain types … Read more
It is a common misconception that birds only need supplementary food during winter when the weather and temperatures prevent them from foraging in the wild. Summer is an equally busy time; there are millions of babies to feed, parent birds need as much help as they can get. Nature’s store cupboards are often well-stocked in … Read more
Peanuts are a staple of any bird feeder’s arsenal; they’re cheap, easy to refill, and seem to attract many different bird species. Have you ever stopped to notice which birds eat peanuts and if the smaller songbirds manage to get a look-in? It’s easier to discuss which birds DON’T eat peanuts, as most of our … Read more
As autumn rolls around, the many shrubs and bushes in my garden come alive with countless berries. Their attractive shades of oranges, yellows, reds, and black entice birds, humans, and insects and decorate my garden like fairy lights on a Christmas tree. Berries are a vital source of nutrition to garden birds, especially in the … Read more
Everyone loves a good quiz, don’t they? Maybe it’s Christmas afternoon and you’re looking for something fun for all the family? Perhaps you’re on a Zoom call across the miles? You might even be one of my loyal readers who fancies taxing yourself, seeing just how many random bird facts you can remember. Whatever the … Read more
The populations of many of our favourite birds have been on a gradual decline for several years. Since 1970, many species have suffered such significant loss in number that they are on red alert and face the threat of extinction. A cross-poll of all British bird species shows that populations are averagely down by 11%. … Read more
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is where have the garden birds disappeared to, and why are they no longer emptying my feeders? It is never more prevalent than during mid-late summer. Balmy evenings finally have a pleasant temperature to sit out and enjoy the company of our feathered friends – and there … Read more
