The Bird Feeder Show

There’s a hint of spring around the nature reserve, with Daffodils already past their best, Wood Anemones carpeting the woodland floor and the promise of Bluebells yet to come. I can hear the soft hum of the bees buzzing around a beautiful row of Blackthorn trees awash with their pretty white flowers. Buds and catkins can be seen on the deciduous trees, and plenty of lichen decorate the branches and trunks, but the leaves are yet to appear. We didn’t arrive early enough to see any butterflies on the wing, though I’m sure the afternoon sunshine and warmth would have been enough to entice a few.

It’s wonderful hearing all the birds singing as we walk around. The recognisable trill of the Wren conjures up fond memories from my previous visits. It’s as if I’m being welcomed back by friends. I’ve been away too long. Life has been busy. Now, I can slow down and breathe deeply, inhaling the fresh air. I can just feel myself relaxing as we slowly amble through the reserve. It’s so good to be walking along the familiar paths once again. The calm of nature is so alluring.At the start of September, I returned to Boat of Garten in Scotland, where I’d visited back in March. This time I was on my own and staying in different accommodation – a lovely comfortable, warm chalet at the holiday park. I enjoyed the familiarity of the location, but mostly made a point of exploring new places and having different experiences.

The Great Tits and Blue Tits are dominating the show. They fly to a perch in close proximity to the feeders, glancing all around to check the coast is clear. Then swiftly, they fly in and out, grabbing something to eat and disappearing into the trees in a heartbeat. Sometimes they loiter, when it’s quieter and feels safe. Other times, they scarper, as if threatened by something dangerous nearby.

I’ve photographed the Great Tits many times before. I enjoy watching them, but only when they perch in a picturesque spot do I bother to capture the moment. As weird as it sounds, I think my lack of love for them has something to do with their appearance. They look so harsh and stern with their black head and belly stripe. I chastise myself. I know I should love and appreciate all the birds!

It was lovely to see some of my other favourite birds frequenting the area. Early on, a Nuthutch was feeding – a gorgeous masked bandit – but, it didn’t stay long and never returned. A few Long Tailed Tits came to join the show early and again later on. One very kindly perched long enough for me to grab a shot of it looking cute and fluffy. I even took one on the round bird feeder. I particularly liked the way its distinct shape was slightly silhouetted with the bright light shining on the vegetation in the background.

Surprisingly, skirting the main stage and only hiding in the wings, there was a male Blackbird. I expected it to wade in and at least collect some seeds on the ground, which had fallen from the feeders above. A Robin did exactly that, but didn’t linger. A Grey Squirrel was also skulking around, a little uncharacteristically. We thought it might have been injured, as it didn’t move as deftly as expected. It lacked a spring in its step and the confidence I’ve seen in others. It crept up tentatively, and fed from the ground, before sloping off again.

There were two species that took centre stage on the ground. It started with the Reed Buntings. Not a species I’ve seen before at feeders. The first one looked a little shabby, as if it had forgotten to put on its best feathers for the occasion. Moulting, it wasn’t quite in its full breeding plumage yet. However, it was joined by a much more handsome fellow who was sure to attract the attention of the females soon. The two of them enjoyed a good feast, but they kept to the shaded spots virtually the whole time, often choosing to stand with their back to me. I kept willing them into the shaft of light on the ground, so I could see their eyes and beak. Of course, I didn’t want any of the vegetation to get in the way either or for it to be distracting. Is that so much to ask? I chuckle to myself. Sometimes the quest for photographic perfection means you miss the beauty in the present moment.

The star of the show was an unexpected interloper – not even a bird. A gorgeous little Bank Vole stole my heart for the hour. There were actually two of them. Though we only saw them both at the same time very briefly. I think they sniffed each other and then one scarpered. The Blue Tits may have been quick, dashing in and out of the scene, but the vole was lightning fast. It hid in a clump of tall grass. Every now and then it poked its head out. Then in a flash, it grabbed a seed and retreated. Its very survival depends upon its speed, so it was no wonder it was hard to capture a photo. Only when the coast was clear, did it loiter for more than a few seconds. I was so grateful for the opportunity to take a few lovely photos, especially when the vole was kind enough to pose in the light for me too.