By Erica Crompton
Since recently moving into an accessible bungalow that backs on to
woodlands, I’ve discovered the joys of bird watching. Take a look at
my view from the French windows! All green and woodland.
By far the best investment has been a metal bird-feeder to hang on
a branch outside. It does need to be metal to stop rogue squirrels
from tearing it apart! So far, I’ve seen two woodpeckers, a jay and
several unidentified birds of prey in my back garden. With plenty of
magpies and sparrows for good measure. Bird watching helps me
switch off from my phone and laptop. It’s like a meditation
watching wildlife come and go and it feels nice that I’ve given them
tasty treats too. It’s been entertaining watching the birds flock
nearby in real time. And it’s also given me perceptive seeing the life
and death cycle in action as my cats have brought home the odd
wee bird. Paul’s family have planted a buddleia to grow for next
summer too. So there will be plenty of butterflies to watch soon.
If you live near green space I encourage you to reap the wellbeing
benefits of a bird-feeder, too
