Fascinating viewing at feeding time

AT this time of year, watching birds at the feeder is never more fascinating as parents troop out their offspring and teach them the location of a free lunch.

And not only the location, but the most effective strategy for dining.

The blue tits have brought four young to the peanut feeder, the great tits five, the greenfinches three. The blackbirds also have three offspring, which the mother (there is no sign of the father) feeds on leftovers of dall (spiced lentils) and porridge which I put out. The two junior robins, with brown speckled breasts, have learned to peck the breadcrumbs for themselves, and the fledgling chaffinches wait with their parents beneath the feeder for scraps to fall. All this happens within 10 feet of our dining room window and it is, indeed, a pleasant surprise to see a new clutch of fledglings appear and partake.