Sofa Birding

Emma Chaplin
, 06 February 2023
Sofa Birding
Bullfinch

'Sofa birding' is a term we've often seen used by Moi, who is a member of our Nature Table Group. 

We caught up with her to find out what's it's about and where it came from. 

'I've always been interested in birds and wildlife. For many years I've noted down what's been seen in my garden, both the previous one in Tunbridge Wells and my present garden in Flimwell, which I moved into in 2018. Whenever I'm at home, I note down what I've seen, plus weather conditions so I can compare year to year.

Blackcap
Blackcap

Sadly, my husband became house bound in mid 2019. So the garden became so important for us both. He passed away early September 2019. Just months from there came Covid and lockdown. The garden then became my way of surviving. So, unable to see friends and family, I decided to put up a few photos under the heading of 'Sofa Birding' which were actually taken from my sofa with the window open. 

Siskin
Siskin

I have had 75 species either in or over my garden, which is truly amazing. Anyway, once we were allowed freedom again I stopped putting 'sofa birding' as a header, even though I was still taking the photos from my sofa.

Lesser Redpoll
Lesser Redpoll

It wasn`t long before a couple of people said 'why aren't you putting sofa birding anymore? It was very catchy!' Well, I thought about it and decided to carry on.

Brambling
Brambling

I don't how I would have survived both the loss of my husband, followed by Covid restrictions, if I hadn't had the amazing birds and wildlife that I have the honour and privilege of visiting me.

One of my very rare visitors to my garden was a Crossbill, photo taken from my sofa, on 11th January 2021.'

Crossbill
Crossbill

We are very grateful to Moi for sharing both her wonderful photos with us and for talking to us about the idea of 'sofa birding' , because there are so many people who find solace in nature and birds and not everyone is easily able to get out to the countryside, but most people have a window, and there are many birds you can spot in urban as well as rural settings. 

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Comments

  • Julia:

    Well done for getting that colossal amount of birds to visit your garden, and for persevering under sad conditions. I wonder what food you feed them?

    09 Feb 2023 10:56:00

  • John:

    Amazing! So inspiring. Can you tell me what you feed them? I use sunflower hearts, fat cubes and peanuts but only get a standard cross section which I still enjoy. Also what camera do you use to get such fantastic shots? Thanks

    20 Feb 2023 10:45:00

  • Terry Billington:

    Just been on your SofeBirding site I found it brilliant

    23 Feb 2023 06:26:00

  • Moi Hicks:

    Hi Julia and John. The best food for Birds is natural food. Start at the bottom by encouraging insects. This can be achieved by planting the right plants. Plants like Verbena, Lavender etc. Leave the seed heads for the Birds until late Spring. As a backup I use Sunflower, Peanuts and Fat Balls (Fb`s winter only) I use a Nikon 500 camera with various lenses. Hope this helps. Moi

    23 Feb 2023 11:28:00

  • Allan Roffey:

    Sitting comfortably on your sofa to watch your garden birds is a wonderful way to enjoy what nature has to offer us. Moi obviously loves her birds, being able to share that love with her wonderful photographs is a lovely way to spread the joy you can see in your own garden. We should all try Sofa birding a very rewarding few minutes each day can work wonders for easing the pressures of every day living.

    23 Feb 2023 16:00:00

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