Featured
Over time, my wife and I have quietly turned our garden into something really special—a little escape from the pace and noise of everyday life. It’s become our go-to place to slow down, whether that’s having a meal outside, getting lost in a book, or just sitting together and enjoying a bit of peace and quiet. What’s surprised us most is how much life it’s brought with it. You start to notice the small things—the blue tits darting in and out of the trees, the unmistakable call of a woodpecker somewhere nearby, swifts gliding effortlessly overhead, and even the sound of honking geese passing by. Once you tune into it, there’s always something happening. We’ve been really lucky with the variety of wildlife too. During the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch , we recorded 28 different species visiting the garden itself, and there’s even more to see if you look up—geese, cormorants, gulls, and even the occasional buzzard passing over. The view from our table and chairs, trees planted at the end of t...
What is "A Birding Blog" about?
Welcome to A Birding Blog — my personal field notes from across my local patch.
After moving house, my birding shifted from a small suburban garden to the rich wetlands and reclaimed industrial landscapes of Bickershaw Country Park, Pennington Flash, and the Wigan Flashes.
This blog — and my YouTube channel — are more than species lists. They’re part of how I manage my health and wellbeing. Like many people, I’m still navigating the quiet, lingering effects Covid left on mental health and confidence. Some days, anxiety makes even stepping outside feel like a mountain.
Birding is my therapy. It gives me purpose, fresh air, gentle movement, and low‑pressure conversations. It’s also where my mental health meets my faith. Time by the water or under the trees offers a quiet space to pray, reflect, and reconnect with God’s creation.
You won’t find frantic twitching here. Instead, this blog is a mindful celebration of the joy found in our common species — a record of rebuilding confidence, strengthening faith, and finding peace in creation, one bird at a time.
