Big Garden Birdwatch

The final weekend of January was this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch. So on a chilly, overcast, Sunday morning, I topped up the birdfeeders and prepared to spend an hour watching the garden. Today’s post considers some of the visitors who dropped in. (Images are all my own, but not taken during the birdwatch.)

Blue tits

One of my childhood memories of blue tits is of pecked silver foil milk bottle tops. If you didn’t get to the milk delivery early, the bluetits would often be there first, to help themselves to the cream at the top. A popular garden visitor, around 98% of gardens in the UK report seeing bluetits during the winter months. The pair which visited us during the garden birdwatch had a look at the vacant nest box before eating. I hope they will return to make a home there in time for spring. Interesting fact: like most birds, blue tits can see ultraviolet light, and studies have shown that their blue crown glows brightly under ultraviolet light.

Robin

A member of the thrush family, the robin is related to the blackbird and nightingale. Extremely territorial, robins will fight fiercely to defend their area. Robins often sing during the night, especially in areas which are lit brightly. Unlike other birds, robins defend their territories during the winter, so tend to continue singing when other birds have stopped for the season. Interesting fact: the robin’s association with Christmas is thought to date back to Victorian times, when postmen were known as Robin Red Breasts because of their red waistcoats. And postmen of course delivered Christmas cards.

Blackbird

It is thought there are around 6 million breeding pairs of blackbirds in the British Isles. The male bird has striking black feathers, with yellow legs and yellow eye rings. Females are dark brown and have some lighter streaks on their neck and chest. Blackbirds tend to favour ground food rather than bird tables, and can often be seen walking with their heads tilted to one side listening for earthworms. This photograph was taken following a recent snowfall. Interesting fact: blackbirds strengthen their nests by lining them with mud.

Wood Pigeon

The largest and most common pigeon, the wood pigeon is a common garden visitor. Resident throughout the UK, a large number also migrate here from mainland Europe during the autumn and winter. Wood pigeons share parenting duties, taking turns to incubate the eggs and feed the young (known as squabs). Interesting fact: pigeons are intelligent birds and are one of only a very small number of species to pass the ‘mirror’ test. That is, they recognise their own reflection and don’t try to attack it. Other animals who pass the test include bonobos, dolphins, chimpanzees, elephants, orangutans and humans.

Magpie

Instantly recognisable, the magpie is a member of the crow family. Research has shown that the magpie’s reputation as a thief is inaccurate. They are intelligent and curious birds, but they’re not thieves. Magpies demonstrate their intelligence by using tools, problem solving together, and mimicking human speech. Interesting fact: there are a number of collective nouns for magpies, including charm and mischief.

Find out more about the Big Garden Birdwatch, and this year’s results here. For information on birds and other wildlife, I recommend the RSPB, or The Wildlife Trusts as useful starting points.