Saturday 24 November 2012

Blackie returns to the Nook

Male Blackcap chomping on fatcake!


Another winter returner to the garden this week was a male Blackcap. 
Now I'm waiting for the winter thrushes and anything else that wants to drop in!


BTO:


Woodland birds are pouring into gardens amidst reports of patchy seed and nut availability in the countryside. Eye-catching Siskin, Brambling, Nuthatch, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker are leading the way, new results from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) reveal.

Most striking has been the increase of birds that we normally associate with woodland. Siskin and Brambling, both colourful and sociable members of the finch family, have been four times more numerous in gardens this autumn compared with recent years. Patchy seed availability in the countryside appears to be forcing these birds out of woodland, while bird foods such as sunflower hearts and nyjer seed are drawing them into gardens.
This winter is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever for garden bird enthusiasts. Latest findings from BTO Garden BirdWatch, a year-round survey of garden wildlife, show that over 80% of our frequently spotted garden bird species have been more abundant over recent weeks compared with 2009–2011.
Autumn 2012: garden bird winners
  SpeciesIncrease this autumn %Main autumn foods
 1Siskin331Seeds
 2Brambling295Seeds & nuts
 3Nuthatch90Seeds & nuts
 4Jay85Seeds & nuts
 5Great Spotted Woodpecker66Seeds & nuts
 6Coal Tit62Seeds & invertebrates
 7Goldcrest56Invertebrates
 8Jackdaw53Omnivorous
 9Redwing51Berries & invertebrates
 10Rook39Omnivorous
 11Blackcap39Berries
 12Fieldfare38Berries & invertebrates
 13Sparrowhawk34Other birds
 14Black-headed Gull34Omnivorous
 15Woodpigeon29Seeds & berries
 16Feral Pigeon28Seeds & scraps
 17Chaffinch27Seeds & nuts
 18Blackbird26Berries & invertebrates
 19Mistle Thrush23Berries & invertebrates
 20Great Tit22Seeds, nuts & invertebrates

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