I ALWAYS enjoy watching the birds feeding from my bird table, especially the goldfinches with their vibrant colours appearing even more spectacular through the binoculars. At this time of year there’s an added bonus as they are accompanied by their young, who lack the characteristic red face of the parents.

There are many fledglings about at the moment. Some leave the nest barely able to fly at all and that’s when they are often mistaken for a sick or injured bird.

If you should come across a baby bird, leave it where it is unless it is showing obvious signs of injury or is in immediate danger such as sat in the road. In this situation you can carefully move it out of harm’s way and then leave it. The parents will be waiting nearby to continue feeding it. Wildlife rescues are often called out by well-meaning individuals to collect young birds who would have been better off left alone.

Another seasonal problem affects the hedgehogs that are busy nesting and may be disturbed by our enthusiasm for clearing and tidying our gardens. Strimmers are a particular danger and have caused serious and in some cases, fatal injuries to this now endangered species, so please check carefully before getting started and keep Secret World’s number handy just in case.

The beauty of nature is for us all to enjoy and with a little care we can enjoy it now and for many years to come. LB Loxley