An owly rump, a rumpy owl

Now you can add one more to your stock of bird phrases (birds of a feather flock together, don't count your chickens, a bird in the hand, the early bird catches the worm, one swallow does not a summer make, what's good for the goose etc. etc.)

'A NEVER DAY WHEN THE OWL BARES ITS RUMP'

which means that it (whatever it is) is absolutely never no way going to happen.

Thank you, distinguished Russian literary theorist Mr Roman Jakobson, for bringing this one to our attention.

You can breathe easily now

... because the results of the RSPB Garden Birdwatch Survey are finally in.

Here are Britain's ten most-seen birds:

1. House sparrow
2. Starling

3. Blackbird

4. Blue tit

5. Chaffinch

6. Woodpigeon

7. Collared Dove

8. Great tit

9. Robin

10. Long-tailed tit

Long-tailed tits are a shock entry, propelled for the first time into the Top Ten as a result of their sociable nature and diminutive stature. You see, they have only recently discovered the nutritional possibilities of garden feeders, and because they are very small and like to eat together, whole families can dine together at a single bird table. They also look quite lovely, as the picture above makes clear, and we warmly welcome their success.

For more news on the Birdwatch results, take a look at http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/results/

Look! Listen!

Birdwatching and good music: like peanut butter and jam, Poirot and his moustache, a window seat and a nice book or indeed any other happy and natural pairing. Find out more at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/mar/13/elbow-doves-birdwatching-pop-music



You only have six days left to click on the link below and listen to a BIRD MYSTERY featuring nature detective Tom Heap investigating who or what is responsible for the suspicious disapperance of the cockney sparrow. Or 'sparrer', as Radio 4 would have it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00j4hk8