Sofa Birding

'Sofa birding' is a term we've often seen used by Moi, who is a member of our Nature Table Group. 

We caught up with her to find out what's it's about and where it came from. 

'I've always been interested in birds and wildlife. For many years I've noted down what's been seen in my garden, both the previous one in Tunbridge Wells and my present garden in Flimwell, which I moved into in 2018. Whenever I'm at home, I note down what I've seen, plus weather conditions so I can compare year to year.

Sadly, my husband became house bound in mid 2019. So the garden became so important for us both. He passed away early September 2019. Just months from there came Covid and lockdown. The garden then became my way of surviving. So, unable to see friends and family, I decided to put up a few photos under the heading of 'Sofa Birding' which were actually taken from my sofa with the window open. 

I have had 75 species either in or over my garden, which is truly amazing. Anyway, once we were allowed freedom again I stopped putting 'sofa birding' as a header, even though I was still taking the photos from my sofa.

It wasn`t long before a couple of people said 'why aren't you putting sofa birding anymore? It was very catchy!' Well, I thought about it and decided to carry on.

I don't how I would have survived both the loss of my husband, followed by Covid restrictions, if I hadn't had the amazing birds and wildlife that I have the honour and privilege of visiting me.

One of my very rare visitors to my garden was a Crossbill, photo taken from my sofa, on 11th January 2021.'

We are very grateful to Moi for sharing both her wonderful photos with us and for talking to us about the idea of 'sofa birding' , because there are so many people who find solace in nature and birds and not everyone is easily able to get out to the countryside, but most people have a window, and there are many birds you can spot in urban as well as rural settings.