things on their minds. Perhaps the
world contains many obsessed
beings, all sharing a similar
space, but rarely aware of the
others’ preoccupations. I still
wonder what the birds’ plans
were…
As I had not experienced anything
quite like this before, I became
suspicious about other possible
behavioural pattern changes.
The first time I witnessed these
tits at Millstream Fork was two
months later, the following
February. From then they began
to be more frequent visitors.
Nowadays they have finally
become established patrons. I
am no longer surprised to see
them flitting between the trees
surrounding the garden, and then
feeding on the seeds, nuts and
fat-balls on display.
It seems that they have now
included Millstream Fork as part
of their new territory. In the wild
survival is never guaranteed. So it
probably began one winter when
parents were bringing their first
year juveniles here to get assured
and easy meals during the coldest
and hardest parts of the year.
Despite these tits systematically
feeding at Millstream Fork, it is
unlikely that they will nest here.
They usually build their homes
in shrubberies, creating small,
domed, egg shaped nests.
Interestingly nest builders use
soft materials such as moss
and even cobwebs in their nest
construction. This could be for
insulation, adhesion, weathering
and waterproofing.
By giving ourselves permission,
time and effort to collaborate with
animals living in our own spheres
we can all make a difference,
even if it is only with such a
simple thing
as wildlife
gardening.
Contact Andy on 01895 520184 | email [email protected] | www.ffes.org.uk
Andy Mydellton, author and journalist, leads the South Buckinghamshire registered charity, the Foundation for
Endangered Species. Being based in South Bucks, they are in a position to advise people in this area about wildlife.
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