Smutag

is Gaelic for Coal Tit.

Apparently up to 25 million pairs of these breed in the UK each year. Found mainly in coniferous areas, which is good news, as we have a few of them here. The weather has been much better than predicted today and the Smutags have been enjoying hunting for food on the branches in the sunshine.

I have just finished reading the The Wizard of Oz to Emma, so my voice is now a little croaky. This is ahead of National Book Day tomorrow. Everyone in her school (teachers included) are expected to arrive dressed as a character from a book they know, so Emma is going as Dorothy. She even has my grandfather's old oil can in her basket to lubricate any passing tin woodmen. :)