Ultimate Christmas song birds

FEATHERED FRIENDS AT CHAT MOSS TAKE A STARRING ROLE IN A FESTIVE CLASSIC

- By KIRSTY TYLER

IT has been theorised that all of the gifts in the 12 days of Christmas are actually birds - the poor recipient was showered with anywhere from 184 to a hefty 364 birds in total.

Legendary local naturalist Dave Steele, who has been recording wildlife around Chat Moss since he was a lad, could easily beat this with his monthly sightings lists regularly reaching four figures.

So, what does the famous song look like through Dave's eyes?

Well, no pear trees but grey partridges aplenty with 14 sightings around Chat Moss in November.

On the second day of Christmas, collared doves.

The traditional turtle doves are more likely seen down south.

They are also the UK's fastest declining bird species because of habitat changes, poaching on their migrations and food shortages.