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Our Garden and Birdwatching from Home

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.

Garden View
The view from our table and chairs, trees planted at the end of the garden providing shelter

None of this happened overnight. We’ve just made a few simple changes over time—planting trees and shrubs, adding bird boxes (some now home to nesting Blue and Great Tits), and putting out feeders and fresh tap water. It doesn’t take much, but it makes a real difference.

We’re also trying to be responsible with it. The RSPB has recently shared guidance around bird feeding due to disease affecting finches, so we keep an eye on that and follow the latest advice where we can. It’s all about looking after wildlife properly, not just attracting it. We have removed nuts and seeds, keeping a few suet balls and fresh daily tap water.

Water
The bird bath has a plastic tub in it so it can be removed and cleaned

If you’re thinking about making your own garden more bird-friendly, it’s honestly quite straightforward:

  • Put up feeders to attract birds like Blue Tits, Great Tits, Goldfinches, Nuthatch and Sparrows
  • Leave some space for ground feeders like Robins, Blackbirds, Collard Doves, Wood Pigeon and Dunnock.
  • Add a mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and a source of fresh tap water
    Ground Available
    Ensuring there is some ground area available

    And once the birds start coming… that’s the real reward. Just take a bit of time to sit back and enjoy it. Be patient, listen as much as you look, and you’ll start to notice so much more.

    Great Spotted Woodpecker
    Great Spotted Woodpecker

    Blue Tits

    Mrs Blackbird

    For us, it’s become more than just a garden—it’s a place to pause, reset, and reconnect with nature. And honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding things we’ve done.

    Enjoy your Birding.

    Related Links

    Our Garden Bird List and Gallery
    Our RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results over the last few years


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    Location: Leigh, UK

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    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.