Feeding Garden Birds in Summer – A Little Advice from Laverock Hall We’ve had quite a few of you asking about the latest guidance from the RSPB on feeding birds during the summer months, so we thought we’d clear a few things up. First of all—there’s no need to worry. The RSPB aren’t saying we should stop feeding birds altogether. In fact, their advice is very much in line with what we’ve always recommended here at Laverock Hall. Much of it is common sense, with a few helpful reminders that are worth keeping in mind. One of the key points is not to overload feeders or bird tables. Putting out too much food can lead to waste, encourage disease, and sometimes attract unwanted visitors (you know the furry kind!). It’s usually best to offer just enough food for the day so it stays fresh and appealing for the birds. With our lovely British...

Have you got a bully on your feeder? Now, we are not here to discuss birds and wildlife that bully others off their perch today, but more to talk about the favourite of my regular visitors – the bullfinch! The male can be easily spotted by a blue-grey back and bright rose-pink breast, belly and cheeks, whereas the female is more pinkish and brown. Whilst looking outside at the glorious weather of late I realised that I may love to look at them, and yet know very little about them in comparison to many other animals, wild or tame. Of course, known as wild birds in the UK they were once a popular cage bird too, probably before we began to bring parrots and other exotics. They would even imitate like parrots – perhaps a lot smarter than would be thought of this small red-bellied bird.  These stout birds are also...