These amazing pictures of bearded tits were captured at Preston nature reserve

A wildlife fan has captured amazing pictures of bearded tits perched between reeds.

Anthony Skordis spotted the birds – also known as reedlings – during a visit to Leighton Moss nature reserve in Lancashire.

He said: “They are birds that are in the UK all year, but live in the reeds and very elusive.

“They feed on insects, but in the autumn they are more visible when nature reserves put out grit trays as they feed on seeds during this time. They ingest small bits of grit to help grind down the hard seeds.

“I had been to Leighton Moss before with no luck a couple of years ago, and went to another nature reserve in the past too, for distant views in bad light.

“These pictures were taken on 7th October and I was really pleased to see them close up and in good light.

“The reserve gets busy this time of the year with people travelling from far to see them.

“The males are the most striking, which people want to photograph with the black ‘beards’.”