ajohn

The last 2 photos are another Blue Tit rather than Coal Tit. Note the green back, yellow underparts and blue wings/tail

ajohn

the whipatch on the nape is a key feature for distinguishing Coal Tit from Marsh/Willow tits.  Blue and Great Tit also show a pale (not usually pure white) patch on the nape.

It's great to see these UK garden birds - I miss seeing some of these species since I moved to HK!

ajohn

Quote:

Original posted by kmatthew at 29/05/2009 17:17
Robins are actually much harder to see in the summer during breeding season, thats why people think there are more robins in the winter during christmas!!

As I understand it, the association with Christmas is actually a joke. When Christmas cards were first invented, the postmen wore a red jacket - so some cards were designed to show a robin taking the role of postman delivering the card.
I think it also helps that the splash of colour and song brightens the dull winter days.