Hi my little Herrick fan ! Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with the flipping iPad. Me too. Have just downloaded the latest update and all has gone pear-shaped. There is no way to block the ads on iPad, but you can install an Adblock if you are using using laptop or main PC.
Re the garden bird, it may be a song thrush, or a female blackbird. Thrushes usually like snails though.
No, my name's not Francis. Not sure why you think that ?
Sending K's by the score..... xx