We’ve all heard stories in the news of late about changes in wildlife behaviour due to the reduction in human activity since the Coronavirus lockdown. With reports of stoats and deer reclaiming previously heavily-walked tracks and an increase in mole sightings, like this one from Twitter…

As a member of the over 70s club, like so many of us, I am self-isolating at home. This has given me time to watch the bird feeders in the garden more than usual and I have seen something unusual.

I have seen a pair of long-tailed tits feeding on the bird feeders. They usually go around in flocks and I have occasionally seen them round the farm but I have never before seen them on the bird feeders.

All winter we have tree sparrows, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, dunnocks, chaffinches, robins, blackbirds and pheasants. Then, as spring arrives, we have lots of goldfinches, a few green finches and now long-tailed tits!

It’s an uncertain and unprecedented world out there but whilst we’re all doing our bit to support our amazing keyworkers by staying at home, it’s a nice thought that our feathered and furry friends, and flora and fauna are enjoying somewhat of a resurgence, especially at this time of year when there’s so much new life emerging.

At times like these, it’s important to appreciate the simple things.

Stay at home, stay safe,

Rob.