Birds

I’ve never taken much notice of our feathered friends apart from the odd budgie we’ve owned. As for birds of the wild, I’ve never shown much interest in them, until now. Growing up in the city, most birds seemed to be colourless. Crows, Sparrows, Blackbirds, Starlings etc, all seem to be a shade somewhere between black and browny-grey.

Beautiful Colours

Since moving to Wales, it’s as if someone has painted the birds! In our back garden, which is more of a yard, we see all sorts of birds. There’s still the Sparrows and the single Robin, but, Blue Tits, Nuthatch, Great Tits, Thrush and Chaffinch and many more have all visited. Now, I have no idea which is which bird, it’s only because the wife is up to the mark on these things and she can tell me. All I know is it’s such a nice experience seeing them enjoying the food we leave out for them.

Nature & Humanity

Even the Pigeons out here look clean and well-fed, although that’s probably because they’re Wood Pigeons. The ones we use to see in the city were filthy, often had only one leg and were suffering malnutrition. One of our neighbours here are a couple of bird experts and very, very nice to boot. If they can’t answer a question about birdlife, then you may as well give up. They have a large garden and at the last count had 76 bird boxes situated around the place. It really is a wonderful atmosphere to find yourself in, nature and humanity working together.

Our Own Birdbox

They offered to make us a bird box and not only that but to come and attach it to the wall of our house! How nice is that? So this morning I set up the ladder and as per the photograph above, the box was fitted. We have a window in our front door, so we can watch and enjoy whatever birds take up residence in there. I did think about fitting a wireless camera inside the box, but I checked it out and the price was a little too expensive.

House-Martins

All in all, it’s been a wonderful weekend. Not only for us but for the birdlife too. I’m learning too and looking forward to May when the House-Martins start arriving from Africa. Their nest is still in place underneath the eaves and locals tell us that they like to use the same nest year after year. How do they find it? Quite amazing. I’m off to watch what happens with our new bird box. I’ll keep you posted.

The RSPB Website

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16 Comments
  • susiesopinions
    March 30, 2019

    That is so neat, and what lovely neighbours

    • admin
      March 30, 2019

      Thank you, Susie. Yes, we are truly blessed with the neighbours we have now. 🙂

  • Peter's pondering
    March 30, 2019

    This time of year is great for watching and listening to the birds. The early morning, and late evening, chorus are really full of joy. They seem so happy just to be alive and in love, a bit like us! (and no, I haven’t fallen for you SOS!)

    • admin
      March 30, 2019

      Haha, but you’re right, Peter, it is a wonderful time of the year.

  • rugby843
    March 30, 2019

    I love birds of all kinds. I have bird curtains in my living room and figurines, guess I’m a bird nut!

    • admin
      March 30, 2019

      And why not, Rugby? I think I’m getting to be a bird nut too 🙂

  • Dave Kingsbury
    March 30, 2019

    Sounds like you’re doing your bit, Trev! Life would seem a lot emptier without our feathered friends …

    • admin
      March 30, 2019

      You’re right, Dave, thank you, life without the birds would be emptier. Even watching the Red Kites soaring above is so rewarding.

  • Invisibly Me
    March 31, 2019

    We’ll have to agree to disagree over the pigeons, I hate all of them. They’re evil winged creatures; if they don’t aim to fly at your face, they aim to poop on your head. But yes, the bird box is such a lovely thing to have set up! A camera would be a very cool idea to add but the expense would be off-putting. House-Martins come back to the same nest each year.. really? To know that they’d have to track the same birds, but I’m sure that’s possible. Wow, absolutely incredible, nature really is quite amazing! xx

    • admin
      March 31, 2019

      Thank you, Caz. So I’m told the Housemartins come back and if their nest is still available they’ll take it up. Apparently, the Sparrows hate them so try to fight them off from nesting.

  • Yvonne KT
    April 1, 2019

    Welcome to spring.
    Have a great day.

    • admin
      April 1, 2019

      Thank you, Yvonne and happy Spring time to you too

  • Amanda Ricks
    April 4, 2019

    Here’s a bit of weird trivia about me. I’m scared of birds! Lol Not individual birds, they’re cute, but if a flock of birds come anywhere near me I getting very jittery. ????

    • admin
      April 4, 2019

      I can understand that, Amanda. They can be quite intimidating in numbers especially Rooks.

  • armstrongsimms
    April 5, 2019

    This is great

    • admin
      April 5, 2019

      Thank you very much for your kind words