Gardeners could be changing migration patterns according to the British Trust for Ornithology, who have been looking into how bird behaviour is changing as a result of our habit of feeding our feathered friends with a feast of peanuts, seeds and fat balls.
Researchers analysed the results of the BTO's annual garden bird survey from the last 12 years and found one bird in particular, the blackcap, has taken to staying in the UK over winter in the last few decades instead of migrating to the Mediterranean.
The tiny birds with their fluting songs are easily recognisable by their distinctive head markings: a black 'cap' for a male and a chestnut brown one for a female
'They were spotted more often in gardens where there is a regular food supply.
'It looks like they're evolving to adapt to using this big supply of winter food,' said BTO researcher Dr Kate Plummer.
Favourite foods for blackcaps include fat balls and sunflower hearts. You'll find both on sale here at the garden centre in Hereford as well as a huge variety of other bird foods and accessories – so make this the year invite your own winter residents to make themselves at home in your garden.
