I've been taking part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend and have been surprised at how few birds I've seen when actually looking for them compared to those I spot on any day on a two-minute walk to the compost heap, say.
An hour yesterday afternoon yielded six species, while on this morning's session there were two birds in total! No finches of any kind, no blackbirds, only one robin and no wren.
At least the bird book I was given for Christmas has come into its own. I Like Birds: A Guide to Britain's Avian Wildlife by Stuart Cox was chosen specially as it contains charming illustrations, not real life pictures which can be unnerving to someone like me who has a fear of birds. I can turn its pages safely without encountering a scary close-up of a raptor or some other menacing creature.
The website will give you the idea.
I always find the same thing: far fewer birds when I'm looking for them.
Brave of you to tackle the book! I have a friend with a similiar phobia, so you're not alone.
Posted by: callmemadam | 27 January 2020 at 10:50 AM
Funny how they are not there when you're paying full attention!
Phobias are odd things - I can't identify what sparked mine, and I'm ok with little birds, but bigger ones, dead ones, ones in the house, and the aforementioned pictures make me very uncomfortable.
Posted by: Cornflower | 27 January 2020 at 01:39 PM
I feel so sad for you since birds are a total joy for me, all of them not just a few species.
Oddly, I was looking at this book in Waterstones earlier today and decided not to buy it because there were no real images of birds. Just as well we are all so different!
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 04 February 2020 at 02:23 PM
I think my phobia is lessening a bit - I do love to see the birds, especially the smaller ones - but even in that book the illustration of the peregrine gave me a start!
Posted by: Cornflower | 07 February 2020 at 08:05 PM