Coal Tit & Long Tailed Tit
 

It's interesting to see each year how the number of each species coming down to the setup varies so significantly. In previous years Goldfinches have topped the numbers, but this year Blue Tits (more later) and Chaffinches have been the most common visitors.  
 

One bird that has visited a lot less frequently this year is the Coal Tit. In fact they have only made one or two very brief appearances, and then they have often flown in directly into the feeders. They are very quick little birds. So I have only one or two images of Coal Tits this year. 
 

Coal TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
 

Coal TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
 

Coal TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
 

Coal TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
 

This year, however, I was delighted to have a completely new species visit my setup, albeit just once (whilst I was in the hide at least) and for just a couple of seconds.
 

I love Long Tailed Tits, and I had previously seen one in the garden, looking interested in the food I had put out - unfortunately I was on the way to work, so I had to just hope that it would revisit during one of my photography sessions. But it didn't turn up - that was until my very last session in the hide for this year!
 

A single bird hopped down onto a perch, shuffled around a bit and then flew off - just enough time for four shots - and one of those doesn't show its tail!!
 

Long Tailed TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire    Long Tailed TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
 

Long Tailed TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
 

Long Tailed TitPrivate Location, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
 

More images of both Coal Tits and Long Tailed Tits can be found in the Garden Birds gallery here.