Bird-watching is a common pastime in England, as we have lots of birds to choose to watch! From homegrown birds to migratory species. However, it’s very important to be knowledgable about how to watch birds. Use binoculars to watch from afar, and never play birdsong or make sounds, as this could cause birds to think you are a mate or predator, and change natural behaviour.
Do not give birds stale, crusty or mouldy bread (or crackers) as these can choke, neither give fatty leftovers as this can affect birds’ insulation and waterproofing of feathers. Don’t place foliage facing gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
Keep Looking Up: The Powerful Healing of Birdwatching is by Tammah Watts, who was depressed, isolated and financially and spiritually broken. Struggling with complications after surgery, one day she took a awlk and a splash of sunshine and fluttering in the trees, led to an unexpected path to healing. This book shares her emotional journey with prompts to dip your toe into birdwatching to help reduce stress, depression and anxiety, by connecting with the spirit and beauty or birds.
Matt Sewell’s Jotting and Spotting Guide for British Birds is small enough to pop in your pocket, the perfect accessory for bird-seekers and sketchers alike. Replicated in stunning watercolours, discover wild and wonderful birds from greenfinches to goldcrests, blackcaps to collared doves. So grab your binoculars and start spotting and jotting your favourite feathered friends.
12 Birds to Save Your Life shows the healing power of nature, through the stories of these characterful birds: the cheerful chirrups of the house sparrow, a song thrush singing in winter’s darkest hour and the haunting call of the curlew? While coping with his mother’s death, Charlie Corbett found himself lying on the side of a lonely hill in the drizzle, when the soaring song of a skylark transported away his dark thoughts.
The song of the skylark has genuine power. It will, lift your spirits no matter what is happening in your life. Quite apart from the fact that in order to hear a skylark, you will need to be in a wide-open and wind-blown spot, devoid of people, pollution and concrete.
From solitary skylarks to squabbling sparrows, he explores the place of these birds in our history, culture and landscape, noting what they look like and where you’re most likely to meet them. By reconnecting with the wildlife all around him and learning to move with the rhythms of the natural world, Charlie discovered nature’s powerful ability to heal.
Charlie Corbett spent his childhood between farms on the Wessex Downs and Isle of Mull. After studying history he became a financial journalist, until he realised that he would prefer to live a quiet country life, writing books and surrounded by birds.
