Seeing as some of you like the birdies...

...I thought you might like to know about the Big Garden Birdwatch that's taking place this weekend (30-31 January). If you've got a couple of hours to spare this weekend it's worth doing, not only for the benefit of the birds themselves in the long run but you will get a lot of enjoyment from it.

All the info you need is here http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

Basically you print off the RSPB recording sheet (really simple to use) and watch the wee birds in your garden for an hour on saturday and sunday (anytime but early morning is best when the birds are more active). If you pre-register with them via email you can just send off your results and job's done. You DON'T have to be a member to take part and you certainly don't need to be a first-class "twitcher" to know what you're looking at

Hope you enjoy, can be your good deed for the day

love watching the birds in my garden... shall register and send off my sightings

[dizzyblonde]

Better get some more bird food so you can watch them in my garden then Maria. Thanks for the reminder to feed mee birdeees!

In the snow we had recently, I saw a jay flying around in the wood next to my house, so had a quick look at him with the bins. I then noticed in a small tree (<8feet tall) in the front garden of a house a few doors down the road that there were a few birds, and I assumed they were blackbirds, which surprised me to see so many together. I had a look and they were actually redwings! Not *especially* exciting, but nice to see, none the less, especially from the warmth of my bedroom.

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

Better get some more bird food so you can watch them in my garden then Maria. Thanks for the reminder to feed mee birdeees!

crap...forgot id have to watch your garden lol! I've registered with details of our garden...meh.

Rp, lucky you! We have up to 5 jays about our area, they regularly frequent the trees at the bottom of the garden, i once woke up to hear 2 birds squabbling loudly...looked out the window to find a magpie and a jay on the conservatory roof right under the window! Unusual to see one so close to the house, I was well chuffed

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Rp, lucky you! We have up to 5 jays about our area, they regularly frequent the trees at the bottom of the garden, i once woke up to hear 2 birds squabbling loudly...looked out the window to find a magpie and a jay on the conservatory roof right under the window! Unusual to see one so close to the house, I was well chuffed

I went for a walk one lunchtime and I found a lovely blue feather from a Jay. My wife loved it - she has it on her desk at work.
Good looking birds, but a bit of an attitude.
(and no one needs to say "a la sv650.org"... )

Originally Posted by rpwoodman

Good looking birds, but a bit of an attitude.

Yeah apparently they're not great fans of being caught in ringing mist nets and get all evil with their big feet lol.

I've only got a robin!

[Bluepete]

I've even put feeders up at one of the motorway works units!

There's three buzzards soaring around, I managed to get to withing ten feet of one of the young one's today. Stunning birds.

Goldcrests, a bullfinch, greenfinches, bluetits, sparrows and more. Very restfull.

The kids are planning their birdy weekend, they insit the chickens will be listed.

Pete

Originally Posted by TazDaz

I've only got a robin!

That's what you think Once they've got used to seeing you watching without quick movements more of the timid ones will show their feathers We have a lovely little pair of coal tits, getting cheekier and cheekier...even had a flitting visit from a long-tailed tit, my favourite little bird.

And Pete, me slightly envious, only ever seen two bullfinches, on a main road, never in a garden!