Many species of birds live and breed in the area many of which are common in gardens, but we also have some less common species, these can be difficult to photograph, so please send in any photos you have of unusual birds
Spotted Flycatcher
These are migrants, but breed here in the summer. I was lucky enough to have a nest outside the kitchen window, and caught this youngster before he fledged. They are in Britain from about May to August, then fly back to the equatorial forests in Africa. They feed on insects and can often be seen perching on a favourite spot, then flying up and back to catch their prey. They also feed on berries in the autumn. They are quite rare and have declined in numbers in the last few years.
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Fairly common in the area, this one is a juvenile feeding on peanuts, the youngsters have a red cap and the red rump is not so distinctive. As with other woodpeckers, the stiff tail feathers are used as a prop when it is clinging to a tree, and its toes are specially arranged with two pointing forwards and two backwards. Their flight is very undulating as they completely fold their wings against the body between each series of several flaps.