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

Species Increase this autumn % Main autumn foods   1 Siskin 331 Seeds   2 Brambling 295 Seeds & nuts   3 Nuthatch 90 Seeds & nuts   4 Jay 85 Seeds & nuts   5 Great Spotted Woodpecker 66 Seeds & nuts   6 Coal Tit 62 Seeds & invertebrates   7 Goldcrest 56 Invertebrates   8 Jackdaw 53 Omnivorous   9 Redwing 51 Berries & invertebrates   10 Rook 39 Omnivorous   11 Blackcap 39 Berries   12 Fieldfare 38 Berries & invertebrates   13 Sparrowhawk 34 Other birds   14 Black-headed Gull 34 Omnivorous   15 Woodpigeon 29 Seeds & berries   16 Feral Pigeon 28 Seeds & scraps   17 Chaffinch 27 Seeds & nuts   18 Blackbird 26 Berries & invertebrates   19 Mistle Thrush 23 Berries & invertebrates   20 Great Tit 22 Seeds, nuts & invertebrates