Watch the birdies.

The pheasant chicks born in June this year somewhere near Aspenwood are now nearly fully grown and a remaining group of three females are often to be seen in the area surrounding the cottage and waiting under the feeding fence for a free meal.

Many different species of birds visit the feeding fence for the rich variety of food placed out to help them through the colder months ahead such as sunflower hearts, seed, peanuts and suet balls in secure feeders, as red squirrels have been known to hurl them to the ground in a frenzy.

There are bird books and binoculars for guests to use to help identify the different species which can be seen on the feeding fence just outside the lounge window.

Lately we have been visited by several red-legged partridges who, along with all the other creatures, have to be able to dodge the unwelcome sparrowhawks in the vicinity.