It was very, very dim when I took this picture but it was literally only 3 feet from me and again the new lens and camera combo worked really well. I think that one of the features of a Long-tail Tit is the very long, almost fluffy feathers on the breast and flanks. This is no doubt why this tiny little bird can tolerate very cold climates. Feathers have very good insulation properties (think of a feather duvet for example). In layers, feathers trap and retain warm body heat. In addition Long-tail Tits roost together where body heat is retained and multiplied. Long-tail Tits remain in family groups in the winter, there is no doubt that this is an evolutionary strategy that has contributed to the success of this species.

It was far, far too dull today for in-flight photography but I did manage to get quite close to a very pretty Wigeon duck.