In my hour of need

She showed up! She often doesn't, and her flight path is clumsy as she aims for the feeder, it's a dash in from the nearest branch and sometimes she doesn't quite make it and flies off - nut less! But today in order to take part in the RSPB's  Big Garden Birdwatch this great spotted woodpecker  made a special effort and turned up on time and earned herself a tick on my list.

Lots of these turned up too. Siskins and chaffinches arrive in large groups and feed both on the feeders and the ground making it difficult to count them - and they won't stay still!

I think there are some goldfinches in there too and a blue tit

Sadly the long tailed tits missed the deadline and won't get a tick. They were here earlier. They  always arrive in a social gathering flitting about  and talking at top speed.  Garrulous, I think, the word is 'full of trivial conversation!'

But they are so very  pretty and very dainty

And talking of dainty! This chap only drops by if he can spot a nice bit of granary loaf from Costcutters on the  lawn grass.  Niels says he quite likes granary bread too but he never gets any. Today this lesser black-backed gull also stayed away and the blackbirds thrushes dunnocks and the little wren didn't make the deadline either. Still, what a pleasure just to sit by the window with a cup of tea counting birds in an official capacity!