Posted by George Morrison

This week, like many others, we were involved in a count of garden birds. The event was organised for the totality of these islands which, apparently, have been blessed by a great variety of species. Betty compiled the results as the view from the kitchen window covers nearly all the angles where they feed or roost.
The secret to a spectacular bird show is a plentiful supply of food. It is a far cry from the days when the shaken out tablecloth provided the scanty supply of crumbs and that was their lot! There has to be some investment in the appropriate bird feeders to match the types of seeds used if spillage is to be avoided.
There will always be some seed fall to the ground as, the truth to tell, birds have poor table manners. They spill a lot! But none of it is wasted thanks to the ground feeders of which the chaffinch is perhaps the most industrious. These work tirelessly in retrieving spilt seed and all the time keep an eye cocked for the sparrow hawk. He has not been much in evidence this year but when he makes an appearance can be quite lethal. He takes no prisoners and once the claws fasten their grip the prey becomes a meal in a matter of seconds.
Our count was permitted to record activity in adjoining farmland and as Stephen had spread some slurry there was plenty to record. Chief among those feeding were mixed flocks of starling, fieldfare and redwing. The former separate at dusk and engage in these aerobatic displays called murmurations.

The local Birdwatch group visited the farm with an Owl nest box which they fixed inside in the loft. This is quite a high dark place which can be accessed through an open window. Despite the fact we have not seen an owl on the farm the “Twitchers” were confident their large box (about the size of a tea-chest with openings) would prove irresistible to them!

This year we have attached our much smaller nesting boxes to the surrounding trees in good time as the unusually spring-like weather may hasten nesting activities. It is two years since we were able to watch Bluetits hatching on a camera wired to the TV screen. There is a fine balance between not disturbing the brood and becoming intrusive so we will be circumspect in using it if we use it at all.

Jesus used the sparrow, one of the smallest of birds, to show if God provides for their needs and is aware when one falls to the ground how much more will He care for us. In fact his intimate knowledge extends to knowing the number of hairs on our heads (St Luke Chapter 12 verses 4/7).
When St Peter had to learn to depend on Jesus and not on his own abilities Jesus used a cock whose crowing devastated Peter when he realised he had denied the one he loved (St Matthew chapter 26 verses 72/75).

This realisation of his fallibility became part of the foundation for his reinstatement when during an encounter with the risen Jesus on the beach his repentance became total – “Lord you know all things you know that I love you” (St John Chapter 21 verses 15/17).
May we, like Peter, know more and more of that utter dependence on the living, reigning Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.