There is a certain change in the air. Although the weather is still cold and overcast it is now past 4pm when it starts to get dark.
In the garden the Snowdrops are starting to appear and down in the woods the very first tips of green shoots, which will eventually become Bluebells, are pushing their way through the brown carpet of leaves and mud.
Back in the garden the noise level has noticeably increased. After being relatively quiet all winter the birds have started to practice their songs.
The Sparrows chattering to each other, the contact calls of the Long tailed tits as they move through the gardens and the distant drumming of a Great spotted woodpecker can be heard along the street.
I recently got a window feeder from Happy Beaks so I can really see up close any visitors. So far only a Robin and a Blue tit have been brave enough to try it.
It takes a selection of foods to attract different birds in to the garden, the wider the variety of food you can supply, the wider the variety of birds that will come. I’ve tried supplying peanuts, different seeds, sunflower hearts and fatballs in different areas and in different feeders around the garden to attract as many birds as possible.
Habitat also makes a difference, unlike the visiting Jackdaws, Wood pigeons and Collard doves, many birds are shy and prefer plenty of cover. A few years ago we replaced a wall with a hedge and that’s when we saw the return of the sparrows. The hedge isn’t thick enough yet for birds to nest in, but if offers cover and protection from any passing cats and sparrowhawks.
Each year the RSPB runs a citizen science project where everyone can record the number and species of birds that visit their garden or local area. This year the RSPB’s Great Garden Bird Watch takes place 29th to 31st January.
Here’s the link to find out more:
Appleton Wildlife Diary by Alex White 