Long tailed tits [Aegithalos caudatus]

Theses lovely little birds are usually heard before being seen as they roam along the hedgerows in small groups, zig- zagging along and calling to each other with a  high pitched twittering.  They aren't common here but as I write this  I can see one  on our peanut feeder in the garden [wonder where the others are] and walking  through the Jubilee wood last week  a small flock joined Poppy and me as we enjoyed the Spring sunshine.

Graphite and coloured pencil sketch

 

I have heard them described as a ball on a stick which just doesn't do justice to these wonderful creatures, but with their long tail [the longest of any British bird in proportion to its body] and their habit of puffing themselves up when its cold,  I  can see why!

 

Hazel [Corylus]catkins in the late winter sunshine Jubilee Wood, Great Gidding

 

Golden male catkins are quite fascinating structures  made up of many small flowers whilst the  female flower is very small and has red styles which  you can find close to the buds at the top of the male catkins.  I've read that the name could come from the Dutch for kitten because they look like kitten's tails - not sure if that's true but  really like the idea!