Early winter this year - snow and sub-zero for some weeks already and very nice rewards at the feeding station. After a massive drop in Great Tit numbers over the last three winters, rebounded in style this year - even before we get to the depths of winter, current daily tally is an impressive 160 Great Tits at the feeders, plus 45 Blue Tits (this latter number over double my usual numbers for so early in the season).
Also two White-backed Woodpeckers, three Grey-headed Woodpeckers, four Middle Spots, two Blacks in the vicinity ...but strangely very few Great Spots at present (just one or two a day).
Highlight today though, while ringing at the feeding station - Great Grey Shrike swooped in, knocked a Blue Tit off a feeder, then proceeded to eat it on an adjacent stump. Ten minutes later, it flew straight into the mist net!
A Great Grey Shrike winters most years in my open meadows, but quite rarely do they wander to the feeders (set in woodland edge) ...guessing the Blue Tits et al hope it will not do so with frequency.