June 2011 part 2

The young starlings are still trying to outdo their parents in the noise stakes as they visit the feeder although the parents are feeding them still they are having their first pecks at the food for themselves. In a quiet moment I spot a furry ball on a stick in the tree at the bottom of the garden. I'm pleased to tell you its a fledgling longtailed tit. A family of 5 in all.

The female lays 6-8 eggs that hatch after 15 days. The young fly after 16 days and are fed for a further 2 weeks. They will stay together as a family group.
Four young blue tits join them in the garden as it comes alive with flitting little birds...Magic.

8-10 eggs are brooded for 13-16 days. Both adults feed the young which fledged after 18-21 days.