Did you know? Robins are not just for Christmas.Often alone, these cheeky red chested birds can be seen feasting on worms and singing in spring too.

Did you know? A blue tit weighs the same amount as a pound coin.

Did you know? Female blackbirds are brown. Male birds are often bolder colours so they can attract attention from female birds who like their fancy feathers.

Did you know? Sparrows have chunky beaks which are good for cracking open seeds to eat

Bird bingoBirds are beautiful. They hop about on the ground, fly in the sky and sing in the trees.

Birds are also really important for our environment. They are pollinators, moving pollen between flowers, which is how fruit and vegetables grow. They spread seeds around which helps plants to grow in new places and control insect numbers by eating them.

As you explore Cotehele garden and estate, listen out for bird song and look around; how many of our feathered friends can you see today? Tick off any that you see.

Blackbird

Pied wagtail

House sparrow

Blue tit

Chaffinch

Magpie

Woodpigeon

Bonus birdCan you hear a woodpecker? Great Spotted Woodpeckers like this one live in the trees. They are hard to spot but easy to hear as they peck their beaks against the tree trunks to find food or attract other woodpeckers.

Robin

nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele 01579 351346 cotehele@nationaltrust.org.ukShare your highlights with us cotehelent cotehele ntcotehele

If you’d like this information in an alternative format, please call us on 01579 351346 or email cotehele@nationaltrust.org.ukNational Trust Images/Douglas Holden/Dennis Richardson/Martin Clayton/John Parker/Ross Hoddinott/Nick Upton/Hugh Mothersole/Chris Davies/Mike Selby/Paul Harris/Chris Lacey/Dougie Holden. Other photography: Michelle Kennelly. Illustration: Boxall Graphic Design. © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Can you help the birds at home?Birds need help finding safe places to eat, drink and build their nests. Here are some easy things you can do to look after birds and encourage them to visit your garden.

Can you write down the different types of bird song you heard today?.......................................................................

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Draw a picture of your favourite bird

FoodBirds love fat balls and bird seed which has a mix of sunflower seeds and oatmeal. Different birds like different seeds, so put out a mix and see who comes to eat.

Baby birdsIf you find a baby bird on its own, the best thing is to leave it alone as mum is usually close by. Baby birds need to learn to fly and feed themselves. If you do find a bird that has not got any feathers or is injured, you can call the RSPCA for advice.

ShelterPutting out a nestbox is great for small birds and you might even get to see their babies fly the nest in spring. You can also let shrubs and hedges grow until autumn so birds can build their nests inside.

WaterBirds need fresh water so they can drink and keep their feathers clean. Try putting out a bird bath, or even a shallow dish of water and watch as the birds splash about.