Bird’s eye view from my window

THE series of winter storms lashing the country, plus the fact I’ve had a cold, meant much of my recent experience of the outdoors has been confined to looking out at it through the window.

I haven’t felt too deprived because this is normally the most interesting time of year for watching birds at the feeders.

As the winter progresses, supplies of wild seeds in the countryside dwindle and shyer species that are usually reluctant to come into the garden are forced to join the regular visitors to the feeders. February is the month I’m most likely to see siskins, lesser redpolls (inset) and long-tailed tits.