With just a couple of days to go before the poll closes on David Lindo's Vote National Bird Campaign, here is the eighth nominee, here championed by my colleague Laura Ward. If you would like to champion either of the final two candidates - mute swan and barn owl - let me know!
Who needs a TV when you’ve got blue tits?
From hearing the tell tale “peep peep peep” from the nestbox that signals the arrival of the year’s newest additions to the family, to the magical moment when you see them take their first bold steps into the big, wide world, it’s like watching your very own back garden soap opera. There are highs, lows, and moments of peril that make your heart race. It’s addictive watching!
But it’s not just the drama it brings to our gardens that makes the blue tit my top pick for national bird. I love how feisty they are, even though they’re one of the little guys. How does the Shakespeare quote go? “And though she be but little, she is fierce” – this sums up the blue tit for me. Unperturbed by their lack of stature, they’re more than happy to give you a scolding if you do something they don’t approve of. But that’s what I love about them. As someone who has been described as “small, but feisty” on more than one occasion, the blue tit and I are kindred spirits.
So vote for the best drama not on TV – vote for the blue tit!