Welcome!

Pennington Wharf Marina
Pennington Wharf Marina

Welcome to A Birding Blog — Birds, Bats & Wellbeing

If you’re new here, this page is your guide.

It will help you understand what this blog is about, where to begin, and how to explore the posts, photos, and field notes that make up my little corner of the bird‑loving world.

What This Blog Is About?

This is my space to share the birds, walks, and quiet moments from my local patch here in Leigh, Wigan — the Leeds–Liverpool Canal, Pennington Flash, Bickershaw Country Park, Lightshaw Meadows, and the places in between. After moving home, these landscapes became my everyday companions. I walk them with a camera, listening for familiar calls, watching the seasons shift, and noting the birds that bring each day to life. Some walks are full of sightings; others are slow and peaceful. Both matter. 

In 2026 I’m continuing my #My200BirdYear, exploring new corners of my patch, and writing about how birding supports my wellbeing and faith. 

Here you’ll find:

  • everyday birding walks
  • encounters with birds, bats, and other wildlife
  • reflections on nature, mental health, and faith
  • photography from my patch and the places I wander
  • occasional trips to reserves, coastlines, and new landscapes

This blog is about slowing down, noticing the small things, and finding joy in the ordinary.
If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place.

Start with my Local Patch

Most of my posts come from the same stretch of the Leeds–Liverpool Canal and the Wigan and Leigh Flashes — a place that has become part of my routine, my wellbeing, and my story.

If you want to understand the heart of this blog, begin here: Wigan & Leigh Flashes - My Local Patch

Recommended First Posts

If you’re wondering where to begin, these posts give you a feel for the tone, rhythm, and purpose of the blog:

  • Bird Therapy — why birding matters for my wellbeing and Ten Bird Challenge with My Grandson — family, joy, and simple birding
  • Evening Walk – Leeds Liverpool Canal — a typical outing on my patch
  • Egyptian Geese - catching the odd unusual visitor

These posts capture the mix of nature, reflection, and everyday life that runs through everything here.

Watch the Blog Come to Life

I also share some videos on my YouTube channel — short walks, bird encounters, and moments from the flash, our garden and beyond.

Visit our channel here: A Birding Blog (Vlog)

My Bird Lists & Challenges

If you enjoy lists and progress tracking, you might like:

These pages follow my sightings throughout the year.

Join the Conversation

I love hearing from fellow birders, beginners, and anyone who enjoys nature.
Feel free to leave a comment on any post — or just say hello.

Why This Blog Exists

This blog is a reminder that:

  • nature is healing
  • small walks matter
  • birds can change your day
  • and you don’t need to travel far to find beauty
It’s a place to slow down, breathe, and notice the world again.
If that sounds like something you need, welcome — you’re among friends.

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