u3a - Birdwatch Update 12

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch was the biggest ever this year with over a million people taking part, and more than 17 million birds counted, probably due to the fact that so many people were at home and turned to nature as a form of therapy during lockdown. Even as restrictions ease, u3a members have continued to send us their pictures and stories from the natural environment around them.

Kay, Westerham u3a, took this picture of a handsome pheasant at her patio doors.

Lorna, Hale & District u3a, was at Bramall park near Stockport when she managed to take this excellent photo:

This is a Coal tit in Brian’s back garden (Brian is from Belfast u3a) taking advantage of the fresh water left out for the birds. Brian has highlighted the importance of not just leaving food out but also a supply of drinking water.

A family of Redpolls seem to visit Brian’s feeders every day now especially the sunflower hearts. They are lovely birds to photograph.

This robin landed on the fence in Brian’s back garden but very suddenly stretched himself to full height which made him look very skinny.

Graham, Leigh estuary u3a, has sent us a picture of a House Sparrow taken in his garden.

We would love to hear from more members about your sightings and for you to share any photographs you have managed to take of your feathered visitors. Find out more about Birdwatch on our Birdwatch page, and submit your sightings through our form.

Mary Gibbons is our Birdwatching subject adviser for the u3a movement, Mary has a lot of information on her Subject Adviser page to help with this and can help with any individual enquiries.