The TITS Are Back!! And they have long-tails......

Thought that title would grab someones attention. Today the Long-tailed Tits returned to the garden, this for the first time since the end of last winter. A party of about 10-15 came into the garden and on close inspection with the binoculars, were literally hoovering up the Aphids from the plants. The 2 pictures show them in the Dwarf Cherry tree, here the black fly are massed as they stain the bark black. The Long tailed Tits were obviously enjoying their feast.Whilst out walking in the local Woodlands both here and throughout Somerset I do get the feeling that this dainty, and very acrobatic bird has actually done well this year. I say this because they have been so noticeable throughout this early Autumn period. Seems to me its the Blue Tit that is most noticeable by its absence in any great number. It really does sum up that with these last 2 summers there has been both winners, and losers in our local Wildlife. I have already discussed Swallow, Barn Owl and Tawny Owl as losers. Yet Little Owl, Kestrel and now Long tailed Tits are all winners having done well through all the bad weather of the summer. I'm now waiting for the first of the wintering Blackcaps to return, and also the 2 magnificent Thrushes from Scandinavia the Fieldfare and the Redwing. Most people don't seem to like winter, actually I treat it the same as Summer,as winter like summer brings a difference in wildlife and like Summer I treat this seasonal change as something to look forward too, and not to get depressed about. If your reading this in Norway or Sweden or Finland, then please e-mail me, and tell me whether the Short-eared Owl's have left yet, as they will spend the winter further south. Now there is another great bird of the winter for us here in South West England. The Short eared Owl hunting, low across long grass on a winters afternoon is such a warming sight in the winter.