As I watched a great spotted woodpecker feed on a basket of nuts in my garden, I reflected on, how disappointing it must be for Mr Wheeler of Newnham (Letters July 20) to have lost the birds from his garden.

Perhaps they have all migrated to Ruspidge!

My partner and I, love to watch birds. We, daily, have upwards of 15 different species visit our table. These common birds include the attractive bullfinches, gold­finches, and nuthatches as well as coal, blue and great tits. Occasionally, a brambling and a group of longtail tits will call in.

Recently, we heard the call of a turtle dove in the area. Suddenly, we were delighted to see it dining at our table though it seems to have left the area, now.

Of course, all this activity is attractive to predators, so the sparrow hawk is often seen swooping by or glaring from a nearby tree. Though this is a thrilling sight, we always hope that it has had an unsuccessful hunt in our little patch.

– Ann Bath, Ruspidge.