Birder's Bonus 42

The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch survey is out today (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article5970549.ece). It basically reiterates that there have been further declines in the numbers of House sparrows and Starlings, in spite of their continuing to occupy the top two slots for species recorded in UK gardens. The more striking news is that the Long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus), although not being a 'proper tit', has increased its rank from 14th to 10th by now being spotted in more than 30% of gardens. Their numbers have apparently increased by almost 90%, a result it is argued of a succession of mild winters and the species developing a fondness for bird feeders.