A few years ago I noticed I hardly ever saw birds in gardens any more. I didn’t know if it was caused by too many cats, pesticides or what, but there were definitely more thrushes, blackbirds, blue tits, finches, sparrows and all the rest flying and singing around gardens when I was a kid.

The last year or so things seem to have turned around and there are a lot more about. This morning my good lady said she could see a colourful bird in the garden, I took a look and it was this little guy (who happily posed for the camera):

After wracking my brains for a while I remembered that it was a Goldfinch, and I hadn’t seen one in probably 10 years! I just hope it’s a sign of things to come.

In other bird news, the duck that’s nesting in my garden is doing rather well. After a brief encounter with a cat the other night she’s happily staying put and sitting on a dozen eggs or so. We’re waiting for the pitter patter of tiny feet in the next couple of weeks and are mounting 24 hour cat patrols to keep her safe. Okay, that last part is a lie – but we’re keeping our eyes peeled!