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Great tit in hawthorn

 

 

Great tits are forest creatures but as truly curious birds they have learnt to know humans well and to socialise with them. Many of the tits that nested here, and this year’s young birds, have migrated southwards. Despite this the winter number of great tits is almost doubled compared to the summertime nesters – certainly half a million but sometimes much more. Arrived and arriving great tits wintering here move in from the north as well as northeast.

 

They move around and are busy in groups but the tie between group members has become weak. When foraging in trees the birds keep a suitable distance to each other. Another tit who happens to get too close is shown a threatening pose, sometimes even a slight quarrel ensues. Every individual must find a night place for itself, in a tree hollow, woodpile, empty nestbox – all sheltered places will do.

 

Thus great tits prepare for winter, near human settlements, and there is already knocking on window frames …