If you’ve been to Coombes before it’s likely to be a place where you’ve had a few unexpected sightings and if you haven’t it may just look like a boring old bird table. However, don’t underestimate the appeal of those nuts and seeds. That feeder hanging next to the viewing platform, looking out over the hay meadow, is fast becoming one of my favourite places.
Long-tailed tits on the birdfeeder, taken by Aimee Burrows
Of course, there are other more exciting, more enchanting areas of the reserve and there is plenty to see besides just birds. Perhaps it’s because I have a privilege that many don’t; I get to watch those feeders as I eat breakfast, while in the evening as I read I can prop myself up on the windowsill and keep half an eye on the table. I nearly always get distracted by what lands there looking for dinner (though perhaps that says more about my book?).
More often than not the table is covered in blue tits, great tits and coal tits. I apologise for not finding them more riveting because they are very beautiful but unfortunately their great many numbers have relegated them to ‘the not very exciting’ when it comes to the feeders. Variety is what I’m looking for and this morning that is just what I got!
Blue tit, taken by Steve Brown
In the time it took to drink my coffee that table was occupied by not only the obligatory tits but also a dunnock, two goldfinches, a chaffinch, a nuthatch and a greater spotted woodpecker. It’s the most diverse mealtime I’ve seen yet! The woodpeckers are my favourite, partly for their beautiful plumage but also because they have a look which I can only describe as bemusement as they sidestep around the edge of the table, as if they’re confused how they got there.
Chaffinch, taken by Simon Gray
Of course, if you’ve spent any time watching those feeders you’ll know what the pièce de résistance is and Matt already mentioned it in his last blog. It only lasts a second but every so often, when you’re in the right place at the right time a sparrowhawk will swoop in and attempt to catch an easy meal. The other day there was even a buzzard perched, plain as day on the table staring in at us through the window, just taking a little rest before he carried on his hunt.
If you never have before, next time you come to Coombes, grab yourself a coffee and settle down on the viewing platform because you never know who might come to dinner.