Long-Tailed Tit Nest Building

The weather forecast said sunshine for today, and I foolishly believed them so despite, pain in my shoulder and back I thought it best to head down to the river to try and capture that one special shot of a Common Kingfisher, I did see a couple but still that one, crisp, full framed photo eludes me, however I did find a lovely pair of Long-Tailed Tit building their fanciful round nest.

I didn’t hang around the lake (there was nothing much to see, to be honest) but headed straight for one of my favoured spots (the bench by kingfisher corner), but rather than starting with attempting to photograph the kingfisher (to be honest one flew off down stream pretty much as I arrived) I instead decided to try and photograph the Long-tailed tit on the opposite side of the river, while doing this I had 4 Redpoll fly over calling, a new bird for the year!

After setting myself up, I noticed they kept entering the same area and soon spotted the nest that they were building the next pic shows the nest with one of the birds, it is tricky to see at first but you can just make out the lower half of the mossy ball.

One of the adult long tailed tit bringing in nesting material

Same bird as above - One of the adult long tailed tit bringing in nesting material — Same bird as above – One of the adult long tailed tit bringing in nesting material

Long-tailed Tit, Loughton Valley Park, Milton Keynes — Long Tailed Tit

A Different Long-tailed Tit, photographed by Kam Tong Gardens resturant — A Different Long-tailed Tit Nest Building, photographed by Kam Tong Gardens resturant

Other Wildlife

I left the tits too it after grabbing a few photos, and wandered off down river after the Kingfishers. I had one shot (first photo) and then spent 3 hours sat in my bag hide with only one brief glimpse of one bird, as it shot passed me down river. Although it was nice to speak to so many passers by; All of whom loved the Kingfishers and were only too happy to regale me with tales of their sightings. Leaving me with a bit of peace might have let me get a shot!

I managed a few nice photos of Moorhen while waiting nd did see a lone Goldcrest, but little else.

Moorhen, Loughton Valley Park, Milton Keynes

A quick stop back by the Tit nest (and a great view of a kingfisher back in it’s original spot, always the way!) saw me spotting a couple of Bullfinches as well, but little else (oh apart from this Grey Heron).

Grey Heron, in tree, Loughton Valley Park, Milton Keynes

I spent a little time watching some blue tits trying to attract each others attention by the bridge over the river (no photos but a really pleasing site); before heading home via the lake. Only adding a couple of photos to the day; a Eurasian Robin; and a Carrion Crow by Lodge Lake.

Carrion Crow, Lodge Lake, Milton Keynes

Eurasian Robin, Loughton Valley Park, Milton Keynes

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2 Comments

Phil Slade
9 March, 2014 at 12:30 Reply
Lovely Kingfisher shot Ashley. By coincidence I too found Lottis building today, a little behind your pair I think.
- AshleyBeolens
  9 March, 2014 at 16:15 Reply
  Thank you, I love long-tailed tits they are such sweet little birds and their nests always look amazing, never seen them called Lottis before though?