Your first clue one of these striking birds is near is likely to be the familiar 'drumming' sound they make with their powerful beaks. This hammering - made possible by the cushion of air-and-bone between their bill and skull - is used primarily to make contact with the opposite sex. They also use it to dislodge insects and excavate nest holes in old wood. Females lack the red spot the males have on the back of the head.

This stunning little bird is one of my favourites. Thankfully, not in immediate threat, they are often seen in flocks in sourthern Europe, which has to be one of nature's must-see spectacles. I feel privileged when I see the unmistakable flashing colours of these cheeky little visitors in our garden.

The first time I saw a Kingfisher, I thought it was a piece of turqoise tin foil that had become tangled in lakeside reeds - it really was that bright! They do struggle in cold winters, so the UK population can fluctuate hugely. If you have never seen one, I recommend making a special trip to a freshwater nature reserve. You will not be disappointed.

The Song Thrush was a common sight when I was a child. Then, for many years, I saw hardly any. Since planting trees and managing hedges in our garden, I am delighted that we now have two nesting pairs. They are shy birds and it is always a treat to see one hopping across the lawn in search of food.