Armed with our bird identification poster to hand, we got set and ready to count.

An entire hour of patient waiting passed by, and Samia was only in the company of her breakfast. Nothing. Diddly squat! Hawk eye was definitely not needed to aid with the counting here! Although the mystery of What's the Creature that's Dug the Hole Under the Fence at least gave her something to ponder over for the hour. And the photo proves the lack of activity (and the hole!).

Rob, on the other hand, took to the more advanced, if not creepier, approach to birdwatching in leafy Surbiton, hiding amidst the bushes. A cat was also on the prowl for the feathered creatures, although not as well camouflaged... And WOOD you beLEAF it, he spotted not one, but two woodpeckers!! Practically tropical! you could say that two can play that game...

Meanwhile, in North London, Sally took up position watching over a patch at the local allotments where some kind gardeners had already hung bird feeders. It didn't take long for some birds to be spotted, including a charm of goldfinches and a chatter of parakeets. As the hour wore on, the birds were also joined by a couple of squirrels and a fox. All in all an enjoyable hour of nature watching.