This year there seem to be an exceptional number of robins about: every second bird in the Gardens is flashing a red breast and their song is everywhere. There are also good numbers of wrens. I see two or three darting across a path or diving under a bush every time I walk around. Long-tailed Tits are another species that has come through the winter well, and their chatty little purring calls can frequently be heard.

On the big lawns early in the mornings an assortment of Mistle and Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Chaffinches and Starlings can be found prospecting for breakfast, while gold finches and green finches sing in the surrounding trees, and the drumming of Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be heard from various directions.

Around the water tower Jackdaws call and squabble, and the Raven pair cronk and tussle with any passing crow.

All this activity is more pronounced on calm, sunny mornings, but increases each week as the nesting season approaches.