Birds

For some reason I have recently developed an interest in birds. Why I have no idea, but they are fascinating to watch and allied to an existing interest in photography the combination is ideal

From one bird feeder, which was usually left in the garage over winter and brought out when I thought about it, we now have three, all of which are in constant use - with me filling them and then the birds emptying them, whereupon the cycle starts again.

I now have a small library of bird books plus CDs of bird calls and songs and although the latter are helpful its still nevertheless going to take some time, to say, differentiate between calls of the blue tit, long-tailed tit, great tit etc etc..

In the garden we have two types of birds,(a)those one hears and does not see that often - like the green woodpecker and (b)the everyday garden birds.

Whilst the garden birds are obviously the most common, our crowd seem to have a certain pecking order. In terms of seniority there is the nuthatch. Stylish, sleek and fast, spitfire like, with a dull RAF blue upper parts. When the nuthatch is around he is allowed unhindered access to the feeders. Similar respect is shown to the spotted woodpecker, but his visits are not so frequent, but it does amaze me, that for a bird of his size, he seems able to attach the feeders and grip them in a similar way to the tits.

The only birds that appear to operate as a twosome are the goldfinches. Their colours are so striking but why so many colours? The tits operate in amiable gangs. I get the impression that they have all been to Tescos, taken a ticket, and then wait amongst the trees for their ticket number to be called before heading for the nearest feeder.

Fortunately we have in and near Horsham two first class venues for bird watchers. Warnham Nature Reserve (WNR) and the RSPB at Pulborough. Both are well worth a visit.

Tip of the Week. Woke this morning and went down stairs to make the tea. In a senior moment I put the electric kettle on the Aga and then went into the garden to chase a squirrel off one of the bird feeders. On returning to the kitchen there was vast amounts of smoke and and a rubbery smell coming from the Aga. Helen took it all very well. TIP whilst opening windows helps to eliminate nasty smells in the kitchen the effect of baking rock cakes is better.