It’s not unusual, during Spring and Summer, for birds to get into the conservatory. How they react to this mishap, seems to depend on species.

Blackbirds, thrushes, sparrows and green finches descend into a blind panic and throw themselves wildly against the windows in a bid to escape.

Robins and wrens, on the other hand have a more measured response. After the initial panic, as long as I withdraw to a reasonable distance, they will simply fly or hop out of the open door. They always know the way out.

For a few weeks now, when I’ve gone into the garage, I’ve had the feeling I was not alone. Then about a week ago I discovered why, as I disturbed a small wren. We both jumped, but I opened the door wide, stood back, and true to form he just flew out. No drama, no hysterics.

Our garage is big, not very long, but very wide, and has 2 heavy wooden doors. Because of their size and weight they are a nightmare to open in high winds, and even in relatively still conditions can be a bit unruly, catching even a small gust like the sail on a windmill.

As a result, experience and several close shaves, has taught me not to open them any more than I need to, for any particular job. Today I wanted to retrieve a bucket, so plainly didn’t need to open them wide.

I’d just about got one door open sufficiently for me to walk in, when I was surprised by my little friend the wren.

I didn’t even get the chance to step back. In what I can only describe as a mili-second, he had flown out of the partly opened door, missing my knee by a whisker, only to be confronted by the wheelie-bin I’d been moving, which he skillfully avoided, and disappeared into the hedge.

The speed and maneuverability of this little chap was quite outstanding. A real plucky little character if ever there was one.