Life Through Feathers: The Garden Bird Podcast

A Wood Pigeon in our Garden

The gentle cooing of the Wood Pigeon is one of the defining sounds of a British garden, yet it's a bird many of us barely notice. In this episode of Life Through Feathers, we're slowing down to appreciate this familiar visitor. You'll hear recordings from our own garden, alongside the calls of an unusually vocal Chaffinch that seemed determined to steal the show! We'll be exploring some fascinating facts about the Wood Pigeon, discussing our vocal Chaffinch and, in our Final Flutter segment, my friend Ben joins me as we take a look at the Liver Bird and its special connection with Liverpool FC. Together, these everyday garden sounds remind us that even the most familiar birds have remarkable stories to tell if we take the time to listen. Put the kettle on, settle into your favourite chair, and spend a little time with us in the garden. Music: "Birds in Flight" by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.com

A Dunnock in the Garden

In this month’s episode of Life Through Feathers, James and I take a closer look at one of Britain’s most overlooked garden birds, the Dunnock. Quiet, shy and often mistaken for a sparrow, this little bird turns out to have a surprisingly fascinating life. Together we count down our Top 10 Dunnock facts, before I explore the hidden world of garden birds, and finish with a chat with dad about the old word “Throstle” and its connection to West Bromwich Albion. I hope this episode encourages us all to slow down and appreciate the birds we see every day outside our own windows. Music: "Birds in Flight" by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.com

A Blue Tit in the Garden

Spring is in full swing, and this episode of Life Through Feathers is packed with birdsong, family chat, and a few unexpected connections. We begin with the cheerful sounds of the blue tit, one of the UK’s most recognisable and charismatic garden birds. I’m joined by Clare as we count down our top 10 fascinating facts about these tiny acrobats - from their colourful plumage to their cheerful chatter. Next, I sit down with Daniel and James to discuss new guidance from the RSPB advising people not to put out seeds and peanuts between May and October. We explore what this means for garden bird lovers, why the advice has beenintroduced, and whether it might change our own feeding habits. Finally, in this month’s Final Flutter, my dad joins me for a look at football and birds as we explore Tottenham Hotspur andtheir iconic cockerel emblem. Where did it come from, and what’s the story behind one of football’s most distinctive symbols? Whether you’re here for birds, family conversations, or a bit of sporting history, there’s something for everyone in this episode. Music: "Birds in Flight" by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.co.uk

No Wren in our Garden

In this episode of Life Through Feathers we turn our attention to the wren, though for the first time, there’s no wren in our garden. Joined by my dad, we share a Top 10 full of memories (including the wren on the old British farthing). Then, with Clare and Daniel, we explore bird photography and the rise of AI images - what it means for trust, conservation, and capturing real moments. The episode closes with Final Flutter, where birds and football collide. James and I look at Newcastle United and their famous magpie connection. Music: "Birds in Flight" by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.co.uk

A Blackbird in the Garden

In this episode of Life Through Feathers, we slow things right down and spend some time with one of Britain’s most familiar birds. It opens with the sound of a blackbird singing in our own garden, before easing into reflections and stories inspired by this everyday companion. We revisit the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, hear what that hour uncovered for friends and family, and along the way share a top ten of surprising blackbird facts, grounded firmly in what we see and hear just outside our back door. The episode closes with Final Flutter, where birds, football and family history collide - from Norwich City and the Canaries to coal mines, childhood, and the birds that once kept miners safe. A gentle, reflective episode about noticing what’s been there all along. Music: "Birds in Flight" by Dan Lebowitz Instagram: @lifethroughfeathers Website: www.lifethroughfeathers.co.uk