The weather! A constant topic of conversation for the British from the ups and downs in temperature, recent storms and cold snaps - they all affect our wildlife and the types of wildlife we might expect to see around us. For those lucky enough to have a garden or outside area, you might spot something a little different perched on a branch or enjoying the bird food. You'll have noticed that your garden friends vary throughout the year both in terms of numbers and species.
Colder weather brings woodland, farmland and migrant birds into our gardens looking for extra energy and vital reserves of food. Coal tits are a case in point. This November they were seen in over 70% of British gardens, thought to have been attracted to gardens due to a lack of tree seeds in the wider countryside and the cold. A fairly shy visitor, they're often driven off feeders by the bolshy great tit or surprisingly boisterous blue tits.
Have you seen more coal tits than usual on your feeders?
Blackcaps coming back
The BTO have reported on blackcap numbers, which traditionally migrated south in the winter, but now some of those are starting to migrate west instead. Their feeding and migratory behaviours have changed so much, that we think a new species is developing, which may be linked strongly to us in the UK feeding garden birds. Their beaks are even changing shape in response to pecking from wire feeders!
**UPDATE** Since posting this blog many of you have got in touch on our Facebook page to tell us about the black caps you've been seeing in your gardens.
Always watching
At the end of the month, you can take part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch and join in with some nationwide citizen science by logging the birds you see in your backyard. If you don't have a garden, fret not! You can head to a local green space and take part there instead. Similarly the BTO run a garden birdwatch scheme year round - for more information head to their website.
For great tips on attracting wildlife to your garden, look no further than our Wildlife SOS series or these handy hints on the RSPB website.
I was screaming and shouting with excitement having spotted a treecreeper in our garden for the first time this weekend!
Use the comments below to tell us which new garden visitors you've been able to add to your list.
You can find us on Facebook and join the conservation there, where so far we've received over 130 comments listing the birds you've spotted at home.
