walking this morning – and i was cutting across a coal spoil heap that is overgrown with woodland, right by the rugby pitch in the park, i ducked under some branches that were heavy with ivy, and suddenly realised that i had stepped into a listening chamber :
it seemed to be a special morning for birds, and there were woodpeckers hammering in the woods as well, which i love to hear. and later on, one in my garden on the bird feeder.
also, after i had stopped and listened and made this recording, i walked across another spoil heap, this one a little further from the park, and i heard the whistle from the distant pitch, followed by a clear and beautiful birdcall, challenging and mimicking the referee …
sian barlow 