Eleven days ago we had the kitchen window replaced. The old one had developed a fault in the double glazed unit and it was like looking out through a thick fog.

The job went without a hitch and we were very pleased. The joy of being able to look out through a clear window and see the garden was a revelation, an absolute joy.

Unfortunately the joy was short lived, not because of some ‘dodgy builder’ nightmare but something quite unexpected.

In the eleven days since the window was fitted, 4 blackbirds have flown into it, full tilt, and killed themselves.

This is not entirely unheard of here, but 4 in 11 days is a sad record. I assume it must be something to do with the reflection of the garden in the glass, maybe it depends on the angle of the sun, either way it’s not what I expected when I had the new window fitted.

On a lighter note, I have two robins who sit outside the back door, wait for me to appear, then ask to be fed. Needless to say I oblige every time.

Something occurred to me the other day. I think I’ve got them trained to come down close to me for their food. They, in turn, probably think they’ve got me trained to provide food on demand.

Needless to say, I expect they’re right!