The Great Tit is a bird that I see everyday, in fact as I write there are a couple of them in the garden, checking out one of the nestboxes (they are the most frequent bird to nest in the garden). They are also one of the most territorial, often chasing off other tits from the garden (particularly the smaller Blue Tits, but also known to take on much larger wood pigeons) for their share from the feeders. I can't say that I've ever noticed any difference in beak length over the years but it wouldn't surprise me.
You must have a fantastic yard, Alan! This whole subject about Great Tit evolution in Britian is fascinating--reminding so much of reading The Beak of the Finch years ago. Here's the article I refer to from Science: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aal3298
Well we measure the yard more in feet and inches than anything else but we try and welcome all avian comers. Thanks for the link to the article I'll check it out.
Great photos, interesting info - and that's some challenging wildlife to evade! (but so cute!) I had squirrel buster feeders and they worked for squirrels but not for raccoons - a coati seems a little raccoon capable.
Good grief -- I didn't know coatis could be so destructive. I rarely see them here so maybe that's a good thing.
Just those loose males...the little family troops (females and offspring) just move along in their cuteness...
The Great Tit is a bird that I see everyday, in fact as I write there are a couple of them in the garden, checking out one of the nestboxes (they are the most frequent bird to nest in the garden). They are also one of the most territorial, often chasing off other tits from the garden (particularly the smaller Blue Tits, but also known to take on much larger wood pigeons) for their share from the feeders. I can't say that I've ever noticed any difference in beak length over the years but it wouldn't surprise me.
You must have a fantastic yard, Alan! This whole subject about Great Tit evolution in Britian is fascinating--reminding so much of reading The Beak of the Finch years ago. Here's the article I refer to from Science: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aal3298
Well we measure the yard more in feet and inches than anything else but we try and welcome all avian comers. Thanks for the link to the article I'll check it out.
Great photos, interesting info - and that's some challenging wildlife to evade! (but so cute!) I had squirrel buster feeders and they worked for squirrels but not for raccoons - a coati seems a little raccoon capable.
Thanks Karen! Indeed, the wildlife is a challenge--not sure how we would survive if we were more dependent on what we grow...be a lot thinner!