NATURE NOTES

Since using my Merlin Bird ID phone app, I’ve become more confident at recognising birds. Each species has its own unique, signature sound. For example, song thrushes have a complex repertoire of lyrical tunes, which they project far and wide. Despite being a red-listed species, having suffered a steep decline since the 70s, they regularly pop up on my app. I rarely see these joyous songsters because they are shy birds and sing from the safety of the tall, deciduous trees. But occasionally I cat...