A Robin in the Garden

In this episode of Life Through Feathers we’re finishing our three-part series on making our gardens more welcoming to wildlife. This time we’re looking at wildflowers and the simple idea of letting part of your garden grow a little wilder, creating space for insects and other wildlife, and ultimately helping the birds that depend on them. Then it’s time for our Top 10, and Clare joins me to celebrate one of our favourite garden visitors: the Bullfinch. We talk about their beautiful appearance, their gentle call, and why we’ve seen fewer of them in our garden this summer. And finally, it’s Final Flutter. I’m joined by Dad to explore the rather unexpected connection between Bromley Football Club and ravens, including a memorable family trip to Hillsborough. Wild gardens Bullfinches Bromley FC and ravens Thanks, as always, for listening. Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.co.uk Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Music: “Birds in Flight” by Dan Lebowitz

This month we have a little something extra for you - an additional episode of Lifethroughfeathers where we stray from our usual garden bird podcast and head much further afield! Earlier this summer, the four of us headed to Costa Rica for a family holiday and, as you might expect, birds played a pretty big part in the adventure. In this special bonus episode, we’ve gathered around the kitchen table to talk about some of the birds we saw, the places we visited and the moments that really stood out to us. We chat about some of our favourites, including the Toucan, Scarlet Macaw and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, as well as some of the many other birds we encountered along the way. We've also included some of the actual bird sounds recorded during our trip, so you can hear a little of the Costa Rican soundtrack for yourself. And, of course, there were a few birds that got away! We talk about the ones we saw brilliantly, the ones we only caught aglimpse of, and the Toucan that somehow managed to avoid giving us the perfect view we were hoping for. Daniel took photographs of many of the birds we mention, and you can see them over on our Instagram page: @lifethroughfeathers So, settle back and join us as we swap our Sheffield garden for the birds of Costa Rica. We hope you enjoy the journey! Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.co.uk Music: "Birds in flight" by Dan Lebowitz

This month on Life Through Feathers, Daniel joins me for a Top 10 all about one of the most familiar, and perhaps most divisive, birds in our gardens: the magpie. We explore some of the fascinating facts behind this intelligent and unmistakable bird, from its familiar rattling call to its place in folklore and the way it has become such a regular visitor to our own garden. We then continue our three-part series on making our gardens more wildlife friendly. This month, we’re building a pond, but not quite in the way you might expect! We take you through how we turned an old tyre into a wildlife pond, and talk about how even a small pond can make a difference to the wildlife visiting our garden. Finally, in Final Flutter, I’m joined by my father-in-law Les. When he took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch earlier this year, his garden was so quiet that he recorded just two wood pigeons. But things have changed, and he’s now seeing many more birds visiting his garden. So, whether you like magpies, fancy building your own wildlife pond, or simply enjoy watching the birds that visit your garden, we hope you’ll join us for another relaxed stroll through the wonderful world of garden birds. Music: “Birds in Flight” by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.co.uk

This month on Life Through Feathers, we're celebrating one of Britain's most charismatic woodland birds, the nuthatch. Clare joins me as we count down our Top 10 fascinating facts, from its incredible climbing ability to its unmistakable call and its unique habit of plastering mud around nest holes. We're also beginning the first part of a new three-part series on making our gardens more wildlife friendly. Together, Clare and I explore some simple changes that can make a real difference for the birds and other wildlife that share our outdoor spaces. Finally, in Final Flutter, Dad returns as we head to South Wales to discover the story behind Swansea City AFC and the swan that has become such an important symbol of the club. Whether you're a lifelong birdwatcher or simply enjoy the wildlife outside your window, we hope you'll join us for another relaxed stroll through the wonderful world of garden birds. Music: “Birds in flight” by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.co.uk

The gentle cooing of the Wood Pigeon is one of the defining sounds of a British garden, yet it's a bird many of us barely notice. In this episode of Life Through Feathers, we're slowing down to appreciate this familiar visitor. You'll hear recordings from our own garden, alongside the calls of an unusually vocal Chaffinch that seemed determined to steal the show! We'll be exploring some fascinating facts about the Wood Pigeon, discussing our vocal Chaffinch and, in our Final Flutter segment, my friend Ben joins me as we take a look at the Liver Bird and its special connection with Liverpool FC. Together, these everyday garden sounds remind us that even the most familiar birds have remarkable stories to tell if we take the time to listen. Put the kettle on, settle into your favourite chair, and spend a little time with us in the garden. Music: "Birds in Flight" by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.com