Our Feathered Friends

[Chipchopper]

With snow forecast in many parts of the country I think it's important not to forget feeding the birds, to help them through the worst weather!

I had Jays, Robins & Blackbirds flying close to me, as if to say, "don't forget us ground feeders!

So I had a rummage round and found some biscuit crumbs in the bottom of the barrel + some grated cheese from the fridge, hopefully they will find it in the place I've cleared in the snow

Now it's time for coffee and wait to see what turns up

[maggiebee]

Just been out to fill the feeders. Bought some "past it's sell by date" bread to mix with seed for the ground feeders. Lots of blackies around as well as the resident robin.

[Tilly2]

The blackbirds are too busy chasing each other off. The don't seem to eat anything, just fight. Silly birds.

[Stephen_G]

I managed to capture this Coal Tit in our garden yesterday... (Hope the link works)

http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user/yoda1986/media/DSCF0002_zps896fec74.jpg.html

[Prudie]

I've waded out in the snow to do the same, my robin got extra suet and the feeder has had a generous dollop of mince pies.

[ChillDoubt]

Just about to brush off the bird feeding station(delapidated patio table!) now and chuck on a couple of fat balls.

[ladybirder]

I've hung a fresh fat square in the tree and the robin was there before I got back inside. Also topped up feeders with sunflower hearts and niger seeds although there doesn't appear to be many birds about, fewer than usual in fact.

[Chipchopper]

Thank's to all for your good posts!

Good Coal tit pic, Judge!
Maybe we will see some marsh & willow tits, this winter, they all look very similar to me

[ladybirder]

You will be very lucky to see either Marsh or Willow Tits chopper as they are both Red status birds which, in case you don't know, means they are in decline. Marsh tits do come to garden feeders though so fingers crossed. You will be hard put to tell one from the other though, very difficult. If I remember correctly the way to be sure is by sound.

[DaisyNonna]

Have a very faithful magpie

[ladybirder]

Only one? Lucky you.

[gen2]

Distinctive feature of the coal tit is the white stripe on the back of its head, but agree the other two are very similar in my books but haven't seen either in the flesh.
This is my most recent coal tit picture clearly showing the white stripe.
http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2586065

[mazie]

Here's my little visitors..about 30 of them for a couple of days

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48035701@N04/5600249639/

[ladybirder]

I'm so jealous. I adore LTT, they are so pretty. Lucky you.

[gen2]

Excuse me for doubting it Mazie, but that was taken in 2009. Are you telling me they live for 4 years!

[ladybirder]

I think Mazie was just showing us an example gen2.

[Chipchopper]

gen2 That's a good example of the distinctive white stripe at the back of the head.
On rare occasions I have seen marsh or willow tits, they seem much more brazen when the weather gets really severe, so I'll be stocking up with extra treats, with today's shop.