On my most recent trip to Marbury I spent alot of time looking at the birds feet.
A bird has toes for various reasons for example woodpeckers have two toes pointing foreward and two pointing back for climbing and grasping, however passerines such as this Blue Tits have three toes pointing foreward and one pointing back.
Most birds that you would normally find on a nut feeder have curved, hooked toes for hanging and clinging to and from things, such as this Great Tit trying to get a nut.
Small birds like Great Tits like to have particular spaces on feeders so a Great Tit spreads it's feathers out so other birds can't take their space. I saw alot of the Great Tits doing this at Marbury.
Birds are ringed on their feet and as you can see this Robin has been ringed. Birds need particular sizes so that the bird isn't hurt when flying- for example a Robin needs a size A- 2.3mm diameter.
After watching all these feet, we wandered back to the car an enjoyed some other wildlife. The Heron was wading out in the water so I could get a good shot.
A pair of Grey Squirrels were asleep together on a holly tree branch in the sun.
It's been great being off school today as I have been able to watch the BBC Autumn Watch 24hr cameras all day. If you haven't had a look yet it's on Freeview channel 301.
Mushroom Rings
I did a bit of research on mushroom rings (following on from my last blog). It is quite hard to explain all the science about why the fungi dies off, but here is my understanding. The fungi starts in one place and as it dies off it spreads further out. As time goes on the fungi spread further and further out and that's what makes the ring. It also explains why the outside edge of the circle looked healthier than the inside. So it was nothing to do with the light.
Great captures for the day, Findlay, as always! I do love your beautiful birds!! Hope you have a good week!!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post and the birds are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images of the birds, Findlay, especially the Blue Tits. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI know how hard you worked on your research for this blog post Finn. Turned out fabulous! Love mum xx
ReplyDeleteA very interesting post Findlay...
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of your birds and a great post. Neat info on the birds feet and the mushroom rings. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletesuch cute blue tits. they hang like the woodpeckers do. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, who needs education when we have in you, thanks Findlay.
ReplyDeleteGreat post about the unique traits of birds ~ Wonderful photography ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
ReplyDeleteSome excellent observation work, and detective work Findlay.
ReplyDeleteWell done.
Nice pictures! We get mushroom rings on the grass outside our house in the Autumn. My kids call them "Circus 'Shrooms" because they form a show ring!
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Melbourne
Very impressive research Findlay, and a very interesting and informative post because of it. Your passion for wildlife shines through in every sentence. I have much to learn from you!
ReplyDeleteI agree, feet are so important, not only for birds but us humans as well. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the Tits and Robin! They're very handsome birds!
ReplyDeleteThat first image has me wanting to flip the picture upside down.
ReplyDeleteFantastic images of a great bird!!!
Lovley shots again, and great research.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of the birds! I especially like the robin and the heron!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots - the robin is so beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're a good teacher Findlay as well as a good photographer and blogger! I didn't know any of that about bird's feet...always glad to learn something new. I like the way the tits spread their wings to create their personal space ...makes sense to me.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your posts and your pictures. Very impressive! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful world. - Wally (Florida, USA)
ReplyDeleteSuper shots of the Great Tits Finn! Good job with the information too and the Robin photo is really cool!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention, the Lewis's Woodpecker is 26 - 28cm compared to the Jackdaw which is 34 - 39cm
ReplyDeleteVery nice images, loved those sweet little ones hanging upside down~
ReplyDeleteGreat shots along with some interesting information!
ReplyDeleteA really interesting and informative post Findlay, great photos too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the posts about your holiday in Wales, you certainly saw plenty of interesting wildlife. I loved the photo of the Jackdaw. You are very lucky to have a Grandma living in such a lovely place.
Interesting post and beautiful photos.
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