BIRD song was on the agenda when Forum 2000 members met at the end of March.

Biologist Linda Jenkinson helped her audience to enjoy the beauty of bird song and illustrated the mechanics of bird physiology at the meeting in Horsforth.

Forum 2000 Spokeswoman Hilary Taylor said: "She looked at why birds sing, how they sing, how you can learn the language of birdsong and why it is difficult, ending with tips and resources to help in learning and practice. It is well known that male birds sing to establish territory but not that they also sing to claim breeding territory or that females also sing- and are not monogamous as was thought. It was a surprise to learn that wrens outnumber other species in the UK.

"Bird physiology is very complicated with a syrinx not a voice box, one breath stored and then sent to the lungs when the second breath is taken; they are never short of breath. Their bones are oxygenated and with their double air bags the bird is very light. Their wings are adapted so that they can fly thousands of miles without developing tendonitis.

"To learn birdsong Linda advised short bursts of concentrated listening to one bird. She also had a list of apps and CDs with helpful comments on each. This talk opened a fascinating world; for people wanting to identify hidden birds it was invaluable.

"The next talk is after the Easter break on April 20 when Annie Dransfield will discuss “Injustices in Caring.” Forum 2000 meets every Wednesday from September to May at 10 am, in The Grove Centre, New Street, Horsforth. LS18 4BH. Entry of £3 includes refreshments."