Military manouvers

[actionfinch]

Just on the site when i heard a small tweet from outside in the garden , went to investigate and notice a large flock of LTT,s .
The thing i noticed which tickled me was that one of them flew onto the bush at the bottom of my garden , gave the call and then thats when i see the rest come flying over into the the woods 2 houses down. 3 stopped in the same bush as the first , then they came to the feeders as did the first bird, then all 4 flew off into the woods where the others went first of all.
I thought about there manouvers and whether the lead/head bird does this sort of thing to help protect/keep the flock together...

[Harold Smith]

Phew! Just worked it out! LTTs! Took me awhile though! Long Tailed Tits! Am I right or am I right! They frequently visit my garden and describe them as 'Tennis Balls with Tails'. If you've ever seen one without a tail you'll know what I mean. 'Deuce' good watching!

Harold.

[actionfinch]

now u mention it yeah they do dont they.....
Most birds on the fat ball feeder hang on the outside but no the LTT's they go inside....just a delietful little bird to hear and watch..

[jaelen]

There is a small flock of about 5 or 6 that regularly visit my garden, and I can hear them coming... they have quite a distinct call. You're right- one does usually appear first on the fatball feeder, and then the rest swoop in.
It does seem like one acts as a look-out for the rest, perhaps the parent?