Bootiful Plumage

Last weeks wintery weather drove a few birds into our garden we rarely see.

These cheeky fellas arrived en masse and took residence in the less than glamorous bird table. I checked my Collins Bird Guide, in winter plumage there appears to be no distinction between male and female and I know we are not supposed to anthropomorphise but I cannot see them as anything other than a group of young males larking around (excuse the bird pun).
We had 5 or 6 of these very territorial Blackbirds digging through the snow when they weren't fighting one another - but that gave the Starlings plenty of opportunity to sneak in and take the food

The old regulars were not to be outdone - half of dozen of the local Robins took advantage of the confusion to stock up - even finding time for a rest of Gladys's shoulder

My favourite is the Thrush, very nervous but so beautiful they are a struggle to capture.
Really unusual and clearly driven in from the fields by the weather was a flock of Redstarts (well I think that is what they were) - only seen these 2 or 3 times in the 11 years we have been here .
The Nuthatches and Tree Creepers all but eluded my focusing ability but they didn't go hungry as the final shot of the day proved