life and death in a suburban garden - nine9
- 30/07/2026
My grandad passed away recently and i was given his binoculars. Theyre beautiful, with black leather, smooth with use. I had already been birdwatching for a few months before, inspired by both grandparents aswell as the house we stayed in together. The house has a huge window above the sink that looks onto the back garden, in the center, a birdfeeder. the binoculars never far from the sill. I still remember when he gave me his old camcorder and explained the importance of one of the tapes "life and death in a suburban garden" It was grainy mini DV footage of a large black bird, cawing as it rips into a dead pigeon laying in the grass, feathers everywhere. I just remember him being so thrilled, explaining how he HAD to capture such brutal displays of nature. I thought it was pretty metal, but a little weird.
We went to rhosneigr in anglesea last weekend and although i forgot my bino's, i kept my peepers peeled Heres what i spotted;
- Sand pipers! Goofy little birds that run back and forth, chasing and escaping each wave. I think they eat tiny bugs that jump out of the sand. They seemed a little stupid and wernt particularly afraid of people.
- Oyester catcher! These guys make the cutest peep noise as they search for oysters. With their long legs and equally long red beak, they belong in the slightly awkward, scary looking bird category
- House sparrow! pretty sure i counted hundreds outside our bnb. Not especially seaside specific but still super cute
Honorable mentions! While rock pooling i found many many many anemones and jellyfish, i would consider these the tastiest looking creatures ive come across but i resisted the urge to poke them. Everymorning i also woke up to many many many bunnies outside my window, digging and foraging. The day we arrived i thought i saw a dark coloured heron but it was too far to see. Although my grandad resented herons for eating the fish out of his pond, i really enjoy them and in a funny kind of way, they remind me of him.
While birdwathing ive noticed my mental heath improving. Where birdsong used to strike fear and anxiety, it now feels comforting and relaxing, something to focus on. All the little creatures, that you look past every day, have names and colours and songs and families. Birdwatching has been an excuse to travel, to get closer to my partner, to share my knowledge and learn everything i can, a path has opened up in my life that was once overgrown.
I miss my grandad and i couldnt be prouder of my grandma, i see him in myself and im excited to express it. I hope everyone is doing great this summer, it sure has been hot so i hope everyone is keeping themselves hydrated. thank you for continuing to read the blog, i know the website updates have been slow so i want to thank anyone for sticking around
Love you all, be safe
- YANN