Memorable moments

rabbits to nest in straw as they normally go underground,” Michaela said.

“But then jackdaws and magpies came and justust annihilated them. It was as heartbreaking.

“They brought the babies out and pecked them to death. The cameras were there so o there was no hiding it andnd we had to do an update e on the live show. I think itt upset a few families. We’re in a difficult position – that’s what happens with wildlife.” Springwatch has also shown upsetting scenes of an owl eating its young. ADDERSADDE HUNTING GOLDFINCHESGO A ANOTHER show in 2014 was changed at the last minute after an a adder was filmed taking a chick from a goldfinch n nest. “This came after we we’d had a production meet meeting,” Michaela said. “Someone came in and said, ‘Oh God, have you heard what’s happened?’ As heartbreaking as it is to see a chick being eaten by an adder, it’s amazing to capture. You could be a naturalist watching nests your whole life and never see that.

“In the same series, a snake went into a blackbird nest and the single dad looking after his chicks managed to fight it off.” SPINELESS SI THE star of last year’s series was Spineless Si the stickleback.

They typically have three spines but Si had two, making him unattractive to the ladies. But against all odds, Si cheated death several times to find a mate and viewers were overjoyed when their eggs hatched.

He inspired songs, T-shirts, radio discussions and a Twitter account.

“Spineless Si became the complete star of the show, the Leicester City of Springwatch,” said Michaela .

“One moment he disappeared and we thought he’d been eaten by a bittern. Then he returned with his red chest, ready for action. He was an amazing superhero. It was a happy ending. You couldn’t have written it.”