‘I found myself punching the air and the whole day changed’ – your letters

Star letter: When technology fails, our eyes are truly opened

I had the privilege to be on Islay in November to follow a dream ignited by the BBC’s Wild Isles. The mission was simple, to try see the White-tailed Eagles hunting geese around Loch Gruinart. For nothing gives me greater birding joy than seeing birds of prey.

We were successful in seeing a high-speed pass towards some geese. It was on one of these walks round the stunning sands of Gruinart that my camera’s memory card failed, leaving me cameraless. It generated the memory of a lifetime. Walking back through the dunes, camera off, a juvenile Golden Eagle popped up over the dunes in front of me, wings fully spread as it had been chasing a Rabbit up the dunes in the evening dusk sun. The golden hues, sheer width and broadness of its beautiful wings, and the elegant speed in which it turned its huge wingspan to dive back down behind the dune will live with me forever. As much as it would have been incredible to photograph, the image my eyes took and stored is one that will never be undone.

Jonathan Dolbear

A lifer to remember

I have been a keen, if inexpert, birder for about 40 years. I’ve always wanted to see a Dartford Warbler – its striking appearance and relative rarity made me keen. This April I was in Poole, my hometown, and we fitted in a walk on Ham Common adjoining the harbour and opposite Arne. It is mostly gorse heath and was full of birdsong.

A LBJ (little brown job) disappeared in the undergrowth and I continued to watch the disturbance of foliage. Then a momentary glimpse of the bright eyed, unmistakeable Dartford Warbler before it disappeared into cover. Euphoria doesn’t describe it. I found myself punching the air and the whole day changed. I have reaffirmed to myself how uplifting birds and nature are, and to share that joy with others has been wonderful.

Tom Hammon

A Dartford Warbler sighting made RSPB member Tom Hammon’s day. Photo: RSPB/Les Cater

Old loves rediscovered

I recently rekindled my love for birdwatching after unfortunately having it bullied out of me as a child. I recently moved back to the UK after 12 years abroad and was eager to renew my RSPB membership. As a child I often visited RSPB Pulborough Brooks, and it was very nostalgic to visit again. It’s quickly re-established its position as my happy place. Stopping to concentrate on the nature and really take it all in is medicine for the soul and so much better than just hiking by. I can’t wait to get involved in various events, visit more reserves and volunteer. Thanks for all you do!

Tom Lowther

Hollybush Hill at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. Photo: RSPB/David Andrews

Nature for all

My daughter, Anna, works for a local charity, REACH, that supports adults with learning disabilities. They support over 250 people through regular workshops, support groups and events. A small number live in a purpose-built home. In January, my daughter supported individuals to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Their garden already has bird feeders and nest boxes. It was a popular event and shows how inclusive nature can be.

Rod Morrell

The Big Garden Birdwatch is a fun event that can bring people together. Photo: RSPB/Ben Andrew

Nature’s healing powers

Following an episode of poor mental health late last year, I have been spending a lot more time in nature as part of my recovery, something I was pleased to read that the RSPB are supporting with your Nature Prescriptions project. Time in nature allows me to calm my thoughts and focus on something positive. I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers at RSPB Sandwell Valley, who are welcoming and supportive.

Sarah Lewin-Rose

Being in nature can be a grounding and positive experience. Photo: RSPB/Les Cater

Song of the season

On a crisp autumn day I went for a walk around Somerset’s Hestercombe Gardens. A bird was singing loudly and persistently from a bush. The song was difficult to recognise, and my trusty phone app struggled to recognise it. I sent my enquiry to the RSPB who expertly identified it as a Song Thrush ‘subsong’, which can be heard at this time of year. Although familiar with Song Thrush, I have never heard this song before. What a joy to hear; it made my day!

Anne Tucker

Hear the subsong of the Song Thrush

Audio: Marco Dragonetti (xeno-canto)

Song Thrush. Photo: Annabel Sharpe