Female Blackcap
Not long ago Winter visitors seen in gardens were usually siskins, bramblings, redwings or fieldfares. However, over the last few years there have been more sightings of warblers during the Winter months. One of the more commonly spotted birds is a blackcap and, the reason that I am writing this post today is because, not only did I spot one in my garden, but, I also managed to take a photo of her.
It is thought (in common with many of the birds seen in the garden in Winter) that these are birds from Germany and Austria and that the British penchant for garden bird feeders has allowed them to travel a shorter distance and stop in the UK rather than flying to Spain.
I have even seen a recent blog post which claims that the migrants with the shorter trip are evolving into a different sub species as they all arrive back in Germany about 10 days before those wintering in Spain and therefore tend to breed together. Those flying longer distances to Spain have more pointed wings suitable for longer distance flying and rounder bills for eating olives when they get there.
Whatever the reasons for them staying, I am still excited if I spot one in the Winter (or any time of year for that matter).