• Mike B
  • 3 Jan 2023 7:45 AM
  • Replies 469 replies
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Odds & Sods 2023

  • Angus M

    I think BD and Tigress brings me a bit of luck.

    I've been mourning the absence of Coal Tits from our garden all winter. Normally we have a couple or three. First time in years I've had to record zero sighting on the RSPB survey.

    Now, it is possible that Coal tits have been around, but I've missed them as they tend to travel in flocks with up to 20 other tits.

    Anyway, 45 minutes ago, as I was fixing my supper, I finally got a 100% sighting of a Coal tit. Only the blighter flew away into a Birch tree to eat its nut.

    I couldn't get as good a photo as BD, but am very pleased to see at least one Coal tit back on my feeder. Not cropping them out, as shot through two panes of grubby glass (must get around to cleaning them), and in a gloomy tree, whilst dodging hail showers - the bird, not me. I was in kitchen.

    90% luck, 5% field craft, 5% camera skills.

  • Peewit

    In reply to Angus M:

    Well done getting your Coal Tit shots

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave

  • Billysdad

    Well done Angus. I hope they come again for you ... and for me too ...

  • Angus M

    In reply to Tigerss:

    The coal tits visiting our garden tend to fly with other tits - which makes spotting them a little tricky, especially when the flock included Long Tailed tits, and all I get is a fleeting glimpse of a white blaze on the top of a black head.

    The birds fly around in mixed flocks for protection - more eyes to spot hunters.

    A large flock of Long Tailed tits (10 birds) tends to fly on its own, but I have noticed a small number of Blue and Great tits tagging along with this flock.

    They also know when I am filling their feeders. I go into garden, and it is reasonably quiet. I start filling feeders and birds start calling to each other - definitely not a warning cry, just very excited. By the time I've walked the 20' to back door, the birds are on feeder. Many eyes keep watch!

    90% luck, 5% field craft, 5% camera skills.

  • tommytit@

    came to say hello

  • i love robins

    In reply to tommytit@:

    Great to see, not seen one myself but would love to.
    Thanks for sharing
  • Tigerss

    In reply to Angus M:

    I know that response Angus! I get the very same thing happen when I top up the feeders.... one a lot of occasions the pigeons are landing on the fence or even at the feeder before I have finished filling a hanging one close by lol.... I'm convinced they even know the sound of my door opening
  • Tigerss

    In reply to tommytit@:

    Lovely picture TT well caught... thanks for sharing
  • PimperneBloke
    Just spotted 1st juvie blackbird (with mum) in the garden
  • Ed D

    Glad to see 8 of these lovely Goldfinches back in the garden today.

    Pictures taken through a window.  I did not want to frighten them off. :-)

    Ed