Thursday, 30 August 2018
Spotted Flycatcher - just passing through
Andy M had a Spotted Flycatcher in his garden this week (28th), perching on the top-most twigs of the apple tree, and flitting out and back for insects in the evening light. After an hour or so, it simply disappeared - just taking a few moments to refuel on its way south to warmer climes presumably.
Saturday, 25 August 2018
Young warblers and Sparrowhawk at South Road
Anne Dunbar-Nobes has spotted a number of young warblers in her garden recently (21st August). The first was a young Willow Warbler – very greenish below, with clear eye-stripe and eyebrow. The others were a small group of young Chiffchaff, seen siting the water fountain. Whilst the plumage of young birds can sometimes appear a little less distinctive and more 'fluffy' than the adult, the dark legs and feet are characteristic of Chiffchaff, and the plumage of the young has a slightly more greenish-yellow tinge compared to the adult.
Anne also reports watching a Sparrowhawk with its prey - an unfortunate Collared Dove - on the lawn a week or so earlier (12th August). The female Sparrowhawk spent at least 20 minutes plucking the dove and eating some of the flesh before it was able to take off and carry the carcass away.
Anne also reports watching a Sparrowhawk with its prey - an unfortunate Collared Dove - on the lawn a week or so earlier (12th August). The female Sparrowhawk spent at least 20 minutes plucking the dove and eating some of the flesh before it was able to take off and carry the carcass away.
Young Chffchaff
Female Sparrowhawk feeding on a collared dove
Sunday, 12 August 2018
Friday, 3 August 2018
Spotted Flycatcher
Anne D-N has had a pair of Spotted Flycatchers nesting in her garden until recently. These pictures were taken on 22nd July - one showing the adult with a fine beakful for a lucky chick. The pair were nesting in an artificial swallow nest, and Anne believes that the young fledged in the last few days.
Michael Holdsworth, who studies these wonderful birds, indicated that Spotted Flycatchers are fairly nest site-faithful so, assuming they successfully make the journey to central Africa and back, they may return next year!
Also see the interesting BTO article describing the work in which Michael is involved - BTO Spring newsletter - Spotted Flycatchers
BTO Spring newsletter - Spotted Flycatchers
Michael Holdsworth, who studies these wonderful birds, indicated that Spotted Flycatchers are fairly nest site-faithful so, assuming they successfully make the journey to central Africa and back, they may return next year!
Also see the interesting BTO article describing the work in which Michael is involved - BTO Spring newsletter - Spotted Flycatchers
Thursday, 2 August 2018
Swallows in Church Lane
Jennifer saw swallows congregating above 2 Church Lane on the afternoon of 2 August.
