Bearded Reedling

I was prepared to try and get up early this morning so that we could make our way down to RSPB Leighton Moss to see the bearded tits (reedlings). I'd never seen one before and at this time of year they come early in the day to collect grit from trays put out for them at a viewing point. Their diet changes in autumn from insects to seeds and the grit helps to break them up.

We were all gathered about 20' away from the birds, no need to be in a hide, they weren't bothered about our presence though we all remained respectfully still and silent, save for the sound of shots on burst being taken.

It was a great day, we visited all the hides and saw over 40 different species. I've included a few more shots of them in Extras to show the difference between males and females. Females step on partner's tails, the males wouldn't do that, I'm sure!

Bearded Tit
Black headed Gull
Blackbird
Blue Tit
Chaffinch
Coal Tit
Coot
Cormorant
Dabchick
Gadwall
Godwit
Goldfinch
Great Black Backed Gull
Great Tit
Great White Egret
Greenfinch
Greenshank
Heron
Lapwing
Lesser  Backed Gull
Little Egret
Long Tailed Tit
Magpie
Mallard
Marsh harrier
Marsh Tit
Moorhen
Mute Swan
Nuthatch 
Pheasant
Pintail
Redshank
Robin
Shelduck
Shoveller
Snipe
Teal
Whooper swan
Widgeon