Forest Lytton

One of the things I love about winters in southern England is the birds. As in colder climates, and despite our milder, generally moderate weather, different birds visit the feeders in winter whom I have not seen in months.

One of my favourites is the black-capped warbler. I find them quite striking on an overcast day with their contrasting jet-black caps and evenly grey bodies. The black-capped warbler makes me proud when they fly in and land in one of the lilacs, still having some shelter, but fun to watch from the quiet indoors.

A second favourite bird which I see in groups and usually only when the weather turns is the long-tailed tit. These adorable tiny birds have very long tails and tricolour patterns which remind me of a calico tuxedo cat I used to have a decade ago. The long-tailed tits come in and also leverage the lilacs for shelter, but soon I see them on the various feeders, often going for the suet balls.

It has been so wonderful these last few days to see some sunny warm days envelope and delight the garden! Flowers are blooming and the cats are basking in shade of the shrubs. Fresh water each morning for birds and cats alike, along with a few of the potted plants and newest adds to the ground.

We have put up the screen door to keep the flies out and let the breeze in - I am looking forward to cooking dinner tonight and see how it all comes together. Enjoy!

summer breeze flowers cats water garden

birdsong spring video

Hello! After. a brief cool snap over the last few days it would appear we will have another warm weekend. This will be lovely for getting out in the garden, watching the kittens chase butterflies, listening to the blackbirds singing, and doing some sun salutations! Have a wonderful week and will see you soon. Drop an email, (see the footer of this page) if you want to say hi. Best, Kate

spring hope

A quiet video in the evening spring sun, listening to blackbirds & the neighbours finches!

For Florence

birdsong spring video

birdsong blackbirds chimes birds video