A Dearth of Birds

The garden is almost empty of birds, and has been for a number of weeks. I've been worrying about the food I'm putting out: perhaps they don't like it; perhaps there's something wrong with it; perhaps our neighbour down the road, who is an even keener bird feeder than we are, is putting out so much food, and such delicious food, the birds don't need to venture into our garden.

Happily, I spoke to her on Friday and she assures me that this is quite normal. At this time of year the local birds go off into the forestry, perhaps because it's the best time for natural, wild food; and she assured me that they would be back as soon as it began to get cold.

The only exceptions to this migration are this robin, who is feasting on the special things I'm putting out, and a dunnock which is feeding amongst the pots under the work table.

I'm deeply grateful to them for their continuing support at this difficult time for me.