In preparation for our Big Garden Birdwatch on 25 - 27 January we'll be introducing you to some of the birds that you're likely to find in gardens.
Today's bird is the Blue tit
Photo by Chris Prince
Blue tits are inquisitive birds and are one of the first species to explore a new garden feeders and the most likely to use a nest box. We recommend using our Classic seed feeder or Easy-clean® seed feeders.
Treat your Blue Tits to food rich in oil, protein, bursting with energy and goodness. We recommend our best selling Premium Sunflower hearts. They're quick and easy-to-eat, and are always appreciated by Blue Tits in our bird feeders here at Pulborough Brooks. It's great to watch them hanging acrobatically from the feeders.
At this time of year, blue tits will often roam around in large flocks, keeping a look out for food and and eyes open for predators. As we move towards spring they'll start to pair up and look for somewhere to nest. Blue tits can see well in ultraviolet and their blue crowns show brightly under UV light - it's been found that the brighter the crown, the more attractive they are as mates! The blue tit has one of the largest clutch sizes and when the chicks hatch there will be lots of hungry mouths to feed - the chicks will eat around 100 caterpillars a day each! It really helps the parents if you continue to supply a source of energy rich food through spring - although they won't feed the seeds to their chicks it means that the parents get to keep their own energy levels up whilst they are busily hunting for caterpillars.
You can sign up for Big Garden Birdwatch here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Once you have signed up online you'll have access to exclusive articles, downloads and celebrity interviews. You'll also benefit from 20% off in our shop so pop in and stock up ready for the big weekend!