Long tailed tits in our garden

We are lucky to have a new family of long tailed tits visiting our garden. They are such a delightful sight.

These little birds have tails longer than their bodies and are about 14cm and have a tiny, tiny beak. They weigh only 7 – 10g. They seem so brave these winter days. They always arrive in a group, stay a few moments and flutter off again. Amongst many other names for them my favourite is mumruffin.

We top up our peanut and seed bird feeders and the bird bath every day. Our garden birds even brave the cold of winter to take a bath which is essential for keeping their plumage clean and renewing insulation properties; after bathing they spread the oils to make the feathers waterproof and trap air for warmth.