Blue Tits are nesting!
My garden birds this week
Tip of the week - Lucy Lapwing’s Birdsong guide
Recommendation: Seasonal Sensations podcast
Upcoming events: Birthday birdwatch
Latest episode: #94 Benedict Macdonald - Rebirding our countryside
Suzy’s Bird Notes
My garden birds
During the week I managed to get this lovely recording of a male House Sparrow chirping in my neighbour’s shrub. Although their song does not sound as complex as other birds, I love hearing these little chirps.
Rooks have remained the most frequent bird species visiting my garden this week. I had 10 in the garden at once this morning! While they have continued to eat the suet block and pellets, I have noticed that Rooksy (my Rook friend) is focussing almost totally on the soaked dried mealworms I give it.
From all the Rook activity, clearly there are youngsters in the nests. I know that nestlings need moisture in their food, and I trust that a Rook parent is getting the appropriate foodstuff from a variety of sources. Dried mealworms give some nutrients, but even by soaking them for a few hours I know they aren’t ideal for young birds. So I have relented and ordered some live mealworms, especially as I know the Robins and Blackbirds will soon have young to feed. I really don't like handling live mealworms, and they become another chore in terms of feeding them and keeping them alive, just to feed the birds. But I also want the supplementary food that I provide to the birds to be as nutritious and good for them as possible.
Oh, and I had a horrible moment this week: as I went to throw a spoonful of soaked dried mealworms out to Rooksy, I mishandled the tub and dropped it on the floor. Not only did I create a mess with the worm water (eww!), my floor was covered with mealworms! It looked like something out of a horror movie! I'll spare you the photograph that I took! 😄
If you feed your garden birds, let me know what food you are providing and what is working best for you!
Blue Tits
Big news: I think the Blue Tits have chosen my nest box to build their nest.
This is a terrible video as we have never received good quality images from our nest box camera, but I wanted to show you this little snippet of the Blue Tit making the nest comfortable.
Mammals
The Hedgehogs have continued to be active this week. I may not see them every night, but I find fresh poop in the garden each day!
A closer look at birds
On the second week of the Bird Fluency course (created by Christa of the Birding Tools podcast) I have been learning more about the shape of birds and the function of the bills, feet and legs.
While I already knew much of what was in this week's module, I valued the exercise of journalling a couple of species and considering the individual characteristics of each, working my way from the tip of the bill, along the body, wings, legs and toes, to the tail.
I chose a Magpie and House Sparrow for my journalling exercise, as these two birds happened to be in my garden when I had the time to complete the task.
It is too easy to just identify familiar species without really ‘seeing’ at them. This in-depth look at each bird was fascinating - and provides a great foundation for considering each bird species in future.
Tip of the week: Learning bird song
As the dawn chorus ramps up, and with more birds singing during the day, this is an ideal time to learn more about the songs you are hearing.
Lucy Lapwing has created a series of fun, accessible video to help you.
Take a look.
And if you are in North America, this is a great resource from the Cornell Lab
Birthday Birdwatch
It’s my birthday on April 8th and I’ll be spending the day birding - in my garden and around my neighbourhood (or from my window if the weather is bad)! I also hope to do a live stream during the day.
I would love you to birdwatch with me (virtually).
Take just 10 minutes at some time during the day, and note the birds you see.
Then tell me about them, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag me in the post. You can use the hashtag #BirthdayBirdwatch. (If you prefer you can email me your sightings.)
I’ll make a special episode about the day, and include your sightings!
Podcast recommendation - Seasonal Sensations
Seasonal Sensations is a new podcast, by hosts Andy and Holly.
The Seasonal Sensations podcast helps you to create a closer connection with nature using your senses. Including a 5 minute mindfulness segment and ideas for you to try to get closer to the natural world.
The Casual Birder Podcast
Current episode:
#94 Benedict Macdonald: Rebirding our countryside
In episode 94, we meet Benedict Macdonald, conservationist and author of the award-winning Rebirding - restoring Britain’s wildlife.
Benedict dispels some popular myths about our countryside, and presents compelling reasons for the reintroduction of particular species.
Past episode suggestion:
#47 Regent’s Park bird walk with Martin Austwick
In this past episode, Martin Austwick, host of the Song by Song Podcast, joins Suzy for a bird walk in London’s Regent’s Park.
Martin describes himself as a casual birder and, during this lovely birdwatching stroll, Martin tells about the birds he has seen on his travels around the world.
Visit my website for photos, blogs, and episode transcripts
Keep in touch
I love to hear about your bird sightings and experiences. You can send me a voice or written message here:
Support the show
Thank you all for listening to the show. You can support it further by buying me a virtual coffee.
You can also use my Amazon Affiliate link to buy feeders, bird food, and other items.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, so if you choose to buy those products through my link, I will get a small payment, at no cost to you. I will be adding products in the coming weeks, and hope to also select products that can be bought in other countries.
If you enjoyed this newsletter, share it with a friend!