Long tailed tits

u8myufo

u8myufo

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Rich
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I am just wondering if anybody has seen many about this year? Last year I was getting flocks of between 12-20 in the garden all year, this year I have only counted a total of five on two seperate occasions :( There does seem to be a lack of images posted so far in the bird section. I have read from the RSPB garden birdwatch that they have been hit hard by the winter we had, let`s hope they make a strong recovery.
 
I had a couple that were quite regular last year but not seen them this year yet :shrug:
 
I saw quite a little flock of LTTs on Cannock Chase early in the year - I think I was with Trev4 who'll remember them. Since then I've just seen the odd one or two - again on the Chase, and none at all in the garden this year although they were only ever occasional visitors to the garden anyway.
 
u8myufo said:
I am just wondering if anybody has seen many about this year? Last year I was getting flocks of between 12-20 in the garden all year, this year I have only counted a total of five on two seperate occasions :( There does seem to be a lack of images posted so far in the bird section. I have read from the RSPB garden birdwatch that they have been hit hard by the winter we had, let`s hope they make a strong recovery.
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must be YOU!! good numbers up with us :D mark...
 
u8myufo said:
I am just wondering if anybody has seen many about this year? Last year I was getting flocks of between 12-20 in the garden all year
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Are you sure they were around all year? LTTs tend to form large groups in the winter. In spring they start pairing up and get ready for breeding. That's when they totally disappear from our garden. I've no idea where they go, but they always come back late June / early July with the new batch in tow. Then they're regular attendees in the garden in their family groups (2-4 adults plus 3-8 youngsters) throughout autumn. Then family groups join together to form the large flocks.
 
We normally get a small flock of about 6 or 7 passing through at least once a week but yesterday had an estimated 15ish. I would imagine the harsh winter is offset to a degree by the more mild but wet summers as that should provide plenty of food for young birds.
 
hollis_f said:
Are you sure they were around all year? LTTs tend to form large groups in the winter. In spring they start pairing up and get ready for breeding. That's when they totally disappear from our garden. I've no idea where they go, but they always come back late June / early July with the new batch in tow. Then they're regular attendees in the garden in their family groups (2-4 adults plus 3-8 youngsters) throughout autumn. Then family groups join together to form the large flocks.
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Pretty sure Frank as they were going through fatballs like no tomorrow. Taking into account the change of climate we have had this year I am hoping that they have been foraging on more natural food around where we live, and will as mentioned return to the garden with their offspring.
 
Had 7 or 8 regular LTT around the Bird Count time (March I think) but haven't seen any for ages. Having said that, the variety of birds has also dwindled since then. Plenty of food for them so just hope they've gone off breeding elsewhere and no bird illnesses have got them.
 
The LTT is about the only regular visitor I haven't had yet this year.
Hope they come soon, I miss the little critters
 
I've seen masses of them here in the last couple weeks. I think more than i've ever seen at this time of year.
 
yesterday evening saw some return in my area where I have in past years. About 7 or 8 fly/hop from tree to tree up my street mingled with some blue tits. After this thread, it was great to see them. Just wasn't in a position to snap any :(
 
I saw some in my garden for the first time ever this year. They must only have been passing through because I've only seen them once though.

Neil
 
Well good news for those that are still seeing them, but sightings do seem a bit scattered this year :shrug:
 
I had a small group of 7 in the garden this morning :) so they are now in my sights so to speak.
 
Well, a little later than I predicted, but they're back. First family group of LTTs visiting the fat feeder this morning. When the weather improves I'm hoping to get some good pics of them.
 
For the first time my feeders have LLT's on them. Well pleased.
 
I did comment earlier on another thread that I have not seen a LTT on my 'patch' for about two years now.
This morning I am sure I heard their call though but I was busy with a hung up tree at the time so did not have time to investigate.

All the Tit family have taken a severe knock back here. The last two winters have not been good for them. Coal Tit numbers less than half what they were, Blue Tits in fairly short supply too. great Tits have fared a wee bit better.
 
They are here every day, anywhere between 5 & 15. Yesterday I couldn't see the feeder it was that crowded :D
 
mrgubby said:
They are here every day, anywhere between 5 & 15. Yesterday I couldn't see the feeder it was that crowded :D
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What and no Photo to prove it :thinking: ;)
 
We get between 10-12 on a daily basis :thumbs:

Regards

Richard
 
u8myufo said:
What and no Photo to prove it :thinking: ;)
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The little beggars hide when I get the 7D out so here's a shot from my phone camera :)

lt1.jpg
 
mrgubby said:
The little beggars hide when I get the 7D out so here's a shot from my phone camera :)

lt1.jpg
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Nice one Brian :thumbs: That is about the same as I was getting last year, but as for this year there is nothing on my Fat Balls :help: :D
 
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