Since January 10, up to three individuals of this northern European race (caudatus) have been recorded intermittently near the head of this small remote Pennine valley. Scattered houses here have well-stocked garden bird feeders which attract tits and other small birds. Our native Long-tailed Tit race (rosaceus) is present here in small fast-moving, flocks and it is to these that the recent northern arrivals have attached themselves. However, a high degree of patience was required to gain sight of one of these stunning birds but once located they are unmistakeable with an all-white head and underparts and, especially when seen face-on, appear as a small ball of white fluff.
They are native to Scandinavia, northern Europe, and eastwards across northern Asia. Scarce visitors to this country, when they do occur it is usually on the eastern side in very small numbers. A few were seen in Kent late last winter but apart from the occasional doubtful sighting elsewhere, these seem to be the only birds present in the UK at the moment.
The Northern race caudatus (both above), our UK race rosaceus (below)
Luddenden Dean is a very pleasant upland valley with a good number of bird species. Today, amongst the commoner tits there was a surprisingly large number of Coal Tits and Great Spotted Woodpeckers (both below). Raptors seen here include Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine. Let’s hope that the tits are aware of this!
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