Welcome Back Chatterbox

The Whitethroat

Yes welcome back indeed all the way from Africa (the Southern edge of the Sahara in the semi-arid Sahel zone).

One of my favourite little species. Although it is a challenge to photograph as it moves about mostly undercover of bush. In fact it can be quite infuriating as it will sit almost out of sight chattering away and you get the distinct impression its laughing at you trying to get a photograph. The only way is firstly be aware through regular observation of the territories that it frequents each Spring on its return. You then have to wait unobtrusively for it to show which can be some time.

The first one below moved backwards and forwards along a 50 metre stretch of low undergrowth consisting of mainly brambles. On reaching one end it luckily moved up into a taller Hawthorn bush which was quite open. Although I was some distance away, that was my opportunity to get some shots.

This second Whitethroat below is a 'Good News' story really. Two years ago I was able to pinpoint an area in which two pair of Whitethroats nested. Then the Parkland Staff decided to clear the area removing trees and undergrowth leaving hardly anything above ground. Of course this decimated the nesting grounds for the Whitethroats and I have no idea where they nested for two years. Now the undergrowth has started to grow and there is sufficient bramble bush etc for nesting and plenty of cover. The images below is of a Whitethroat that I found frequenting the area now. So its possible that there will be nesting activity this year.