AS I look out over the grey and white vista of Loch Lomond from The RSPB Shop for nature, I shiver at the snow storm raging outside. It has been a long winter on the banks of Loch Lomond. Long for us who hope for what should be the timely arrival of spring, longer still for the nature and wildlife that surrounds us. As the winter rages on, I steadily see our beautiful garden and woodland birds grow more and more eager for food. Filling up our feeding stations at the meadow around the Loch proves this. The feeders hang empty after one day and Robins and Blue tits bop around impatiently waiting for me to replenish their food.

However more and more birds seem to be depending on this supply. Long tailed tits in small groups sit huddled in the trees and even Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been seen on the feeders. This is why it is so important to keep feeding our birds in our gardens, to help sustain our feathered friends throughout this harsh weather. At RSPB Shop for nature we have lots of promotions on bird food and feeders to make this as easy as possible. We here at the shop enjoy nothing better than starting off customers on a new relationship with nature, which is a constant source of amazement for us.

It's not all doom and gloom. On the rare occasion that the sun shines, it is so easy to hear the songs of birds we walk through parks and woodland. This is a sure sign that love is in the air. Nesting season is well and truly underway. Birds usually think about sourcing a nest in late winter and early spring, which means it still, is not too late to buy a nest box for your garden. We have lots in the shop, from standard ones to beautifully decorative models. If you see a bird foraging for twigs and branches at the moment then that's a good sign that they are building their home for the summer. It is so important however, that we know what we can and cannot do if a bird decides to nest in our eves or shed's. Although nests can be unsightly and the bird's activity can be noisy, most birds and their nests are protected by law, so it is important that we allow bird is the opportunity to nest. All birds, their nest and eggs are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and it is thus an offence to damage or destroy an active nest or prevent parent bird's access to their nests.�However, there are some exceptions to this rule, details of which can be found on the RSPB website. It is a beautiful thing to watch nature unfold before our eyes. We urge anyone who has a nesting couple or those who wish to install a nest box to come down and visit us at RSPB shop for Nature for more advice and to share their stories - here at the shop we always enjoy hearing new tales of nature around us.

That is all from me here at the RSPB Shop for Nature for this fortnight. However, I will be back, soon with an intriguing tale of a mystery bird seen in Gardens locally and news on the great activities to expect in the Month's to come here at the shop.

For now, farewell and eyes to the skies.