Has anyone any idea where that phrase 'our feathered friends' comes from?

Sadly the media tend to use it everytime thay have an item that has anything even remotely to do with birds. Even when the the item may be a serions concern or well intended, as this thread was.

I had a little time to spare on Friday, and visited the RSPB reserve at West Sedgemoor, near Taunton in Somerset. There were feeders provided in the woods close to the hide, which was a 30 second walk from the car park.

In the 10 minutes that I spent there and up very close, I had the best views I have ever had of GS Woodpecker, nuthatch, treecreeper, long-tailed-,coal, blue and great tits. It was really enjoyable and I think it well shows the value of feeders, and that they will enhance even a natural setting. Although it is important that the feeders are a permanent fixture, once started.

Also that you don't have to have hours and hours of spare time to appreciate these places, although this would be nice....