Garden Birds
I’m writing this on 31st December 2024 as my way of softly ending the year. It is also a short appreciation of my favourite part of Assynt’s wildlife, birds!
What we have here are simply images of three ‘common or garden’ birds. Clockwise they are: House Sparrow, Passer domesticus; Rock Dove, Columba livia; and Starling, Sturnus vulgaris.
Because they are often referred to, or thought of as being common or widespread or everywhere we might have a tendency to just give them a cursory glance.
What is important to remember is that their physical appearance is all down to feathers. Every one of those feathers has to grow to the right size at the right location at the right time and carry the right pattern.
If any of these rights are wrong then the bird may not be properly insulated, may not be able to fly properly, may gain its best breeding plumage too early or late, and may not be attractive to the opposite sex at breeding time.
So, three common birds, but all stunningly beautiful in their right way.
If you enjoy watching the birds in your Assynt garden then please have a look at the Field Club’s Garden Bird Survey. You might develop a deeper appreciation of the birds that visit you by simply ticking a few boxes each month.
Please enjoy our wildlife responsibly and have a safe and peaceful 2025.
David Haines