The Springwatch Blog

This is one of those times of year when feeding garden birds becomes absolutely crucial. As the nights draw in, and the weather gets colder, it's important to make sure your feeders are topped up and that your bird bath is filled with fresh, clean water. To help you, There are hints and tips about feeding garden birds here on the Breathing Places website.

Here on Autumnwatch we'd also like to know if you have seen any really unusual behaviour at your feeding station - and even better, if you;ve managed to video it or take any still photos. As always, you can upload these onto our Video Uploader and Flickr sites - or just tell me what you've seen...

Look forward to hearing from you - Stephen

They're black, they're some of our least popular birds, and they're very, VERY smart. The various members of the crow family are, in fact, amongst the smartest creatures on Earth - at least as clever as dolphins, gorillas and chimpanzees, and in the view of some scientists even smarter.

Yet these are also the birds we love to hate - especially carrion crows, ravens and magpies. For centuries these species have been associated with evildoing - as the companions of witches - or simply derided as thieves. Yet their mischievous behaviour is the sign of very high intelligence.

So as Simon says on Monday night's show, we're now asking YOU to look out for clever crows in your neighbourhood. Whether it's magpies or jays, rooks or ravens, carrion crows or jackdaws - or in Scotland and Ireland, hooded crows - we'd love to hear from you. Post your replies on this blog, or send us your videos or photos elsewhere on this website. We'll tell the best stories, and show any great footage or stills, on the programme later this week!

Thanks again for your great response so far!

Stephen