MADAM, The start of a new year, a cloudless sky, the thermometer hovering around zero, a suburban garden off Aylestone Hill.
The RSBP bird feeder bought in Wales a day or so ago is providing endless pleasure, though the wild bird seed at £1 a litre is disappearing too rapidly.
On this freezing day we have seen male blackcap, long tailed tit, wren, robins; male and female blackbirds, chaffinches, green finches, great, blue and coal tits, wood pigeon and yes, a pair of magpies - sadly no thrushes, though a week ago a flock of redwing stripped my neighbour's holly tree in no time.
By contrast a day or so ago , on a day when the Radnor Hills were snow-covered, we visited the red kite feeding station. Well! For anyone with even a slight interest in bird life this trip is a must.
For nine years the Powells have fed and encouraged these wonderful birds to their farm, near Rhayader. The sight of scores of red kites, buzzards and ravens feeding only 50 yards away is awe inspiring - to think not many years ago when I saw the odd red kite it was an infrequent sight.
Despite the traumatic events of last year we can all appreciate and enjoy wild birds and what a pleasant way to see the new year in.
TIM TOWNSEND,
Venns Lane,
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