Abington Naturewatch: Long-tailed Tit tapping

Tuesday 2 March 2021

Long-tailed Tit tapping

Barry B witnessed a Long-tailed Tit tapping at the kitchen window last week.

It flew very deliberately at the window, settling on the frame and then tapped repeatedly on the glass - going through this whole sequence several times. Barry saw them doing the same thing around this time this last year.

It seems likely that this is related to the birds starting to establish territories in the lead up to the breeding season and that, on seeing their own reflection, they mistake it for another male intruding into their territory, which they attempt to see off. .... or maybe it just wanted to come in 😊!

This behaviour can apparently also be seen in other tit species, finches, robins, wagtails and even some crow species.

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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)