I haven't long moved in to Chester Le Street but from what I've seen I am loving so far. Ive only been here just short of two months and I seemed to have bagged a twitchers paradise garden.
Before moving here I lived in Jarrow near Primrose nature reserve and there id take the dogs walking and enjoy the little bit of wildlife that would grace the place.
Ive been passionate about wildlife since being young when my parents used to take me to Chopwell Woods and go on long walks in the most beautiful forests.
I have lovely memories of those days when I was young and I am sure that I used to hear more birds singing back then but to be honest wonder now if that was just because when we are young everything seems much bigger, brighter and better?
Living in Jarrow is where my interest in birds came in to full swing because there was all sorts of birds id not even seen before. Id previously lived in South Shields where you were very lucky to see Pigeons never mind a house sparrow.
In my new garden there are Robins, Dunnocks, Black birds, Song thrush, Blue tits, Long tailed tits, Great tits, Coal tits, Chaffinch, wood pigeon daily. My regular but not daily visitors are Great spotted woodpecker, Nuthatch & 2 gray squirrels. Also at night I hear owls, probably little own by the sounds of it.
I am happy to report that today I got my first Bullfinch and Goldfinch. Its freezing at the moment and my garden looks like a wildlife sanctuary. I cant imagine how busy it will get in the spring/summer time.
Im looking in to planting new trees/hedgerow and plants that will provide food and extra habitat for my new friends all year round. Ive done a bit of research on what attracts what but if anyone can shed some extra light on which shrubs etc they have been lucky with, Id love to know?
I need help on getting the best camera for still shots, I've heard Canon mentioned a lot on bird forums but if any one can give advice to get the crispest of quality id be over the moon?
There will be lots of pictures and video content of my garden birds and what ever else I can find in the bushes plus I plan on venturing out and about to get used to the area and enjoy the walks it has to offer.
Thanks for reading.
Lauren.
