A FEW years ago I did some research on the sounds made by birds.

This involved making recordings and playing these back through a machine called an oscilloscope. This displayed a sound pattern which could be photographed.

From looking at the patterns it became obvious that, just like us, birds had regional accents!

Using sophisticated equipment including computer software, scientists are not only certain that birds such as robins have regional accents, but they are prepared to go even further. They now know that each individual robin has its own voice pattern.

A female robin sitting on her nest knows that it is her male singing and not a rival.

I don't think that this should surprise us because birds have much more sensitive sounds and hearing than we do. When you hear a member of your family speaking you do not need to see them. If we can do this then thirds must be able to do the same thing - only better!

The next time you call somebody a 'bird brain' I suggest that you think again!

Although it has not yet been proved beyond doubt, many ornithologists are convinced that each robin has a different pattern of red on its breast. This seems to be as individualistic as our fingerprints.

This proves that it is more interesting to watch birds rather than just identify the species and add them to a list. Each and every bird is worth a close look in its own right.