When I can’t arrange to meet up with and chat to friends, due to our Covid-19 lockdown rules, I talk to the birds, usually Robins (as my previous Conversations with Robins blog posts testify) but lately the many Stonechats that have been living in the local fields.

If I approach slowly and quietly, then stand still and wait, they’ll often pop up on branches and plant tops quite close to me.

I can talk very softly, and they don’t fly off. They watch me – are they just being cautious, keeping an eye on this intruder in their space?

Or are they curious? Or maybe they’re just plain cheeky, knowing they can check me out but fly off in the beat of a wing?

Spending time with these gorgeous wee chats brings me much joy. And, yes, I am a crazy bird lady!