Thursday 12 March 2015

New obsession, birds

Apologies, I have not written a blog for a while, so here goes!

OK – My latest obsession is birds!

I have just moved my bedroom downstairs (I have a progressive illness). I try to go on my exercise bike and rowing machine most days. It is so boring but now I have a beautiful view of the garden. My son encouraged me to feed the birds and  make it more interesting. 

My husband is used to my mad spending (thank goodness), so it started with finding a good supplier of feeders and food. That is when I discovered the wonderful Garden Wildlife Direct. Buy in bulk because it is cheaper! I have a selection of huge sacks in the barn. Ian is well trained and fills and replenishes regularly.

Once the feeding was sorted, I needed to know who my new visitors were. I found some brilliant identification charts at  CJ Wildlife . To see them properly too I bought a lovely pair of very reasonably priced binoculars  (£25) from Uttings.

My equipment

I have been listening to the dawn chorus most mornings. I know a few bird songs but not many. I have been trying to learn them and there are a lot of really good websites. I have an excellent CD which came with a beautiful bird book by DK called ‘RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe’, I was given for my birthday last year.

Shy little Robin

This Great Tit loves the fat balls!

Thirsty Woodpigeon

My favourite pair of Great Tits

Unless you can spot who is singing, I am finding it quite difficult to identify the correct bird. I am hopeless with phones but I am trying a new app called ‘BirdsongId’. I will let you know in a few weeks how it is going.

I have just joined the RSPB and cannot wait for their pack to arrive! I have learnt /am learning quite a bit of new information and I hope this helps if you decide to give it a go too: )