The other morning I was standing under some tall densely branched trees watching and listening to several male Blackcaps moving about the trees trying to attract a female that was close by.
Now the Blackcaps can be very vocal and their song sounds quite amazing for a short period. After a while though it starts to get to you and goodness nows what it does to the females. Coupled with this, its a neck aching job staring up into branches for any length of time. They would sing and then move to another perch and start all over again. This continued for quite sometime. What didn't help was, not only poor light, they hardly ever presented a suitable photo opportunity. To confuse the issue even more several Chaffinch moved into the same area and started a similar activity. Eventually I was able to capture a few images, but I didn't hang around to find out what eventually transpired.
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| Female - Singularly unimpressed |
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| Male |
"Looking at you below Matey, you have got no chance with the ladies.
You really need to brush up on your appearance."
Aren't they funny? Singing like mad here too. Not seen any girls yet though. But the female cuckoos are now back and bubbling away, Look out Dunnocks....!
ReplyDeleteDidn't see any Cuckoos at all last year CT, I think I only heard one.
DeleteHi Roy
ReplyDeleteVery great picture, This bird is very cute, and your pictures among the branches are superb !
Hugs
Thanks Nathalie.
DeleteRather like politicians vying for our votes.
ReplyDeleteYes just about getting on one's nerves now John.
DeleteHey Roy... Staring up into trees is good exercise to help avoid getting a double chin ;) I know the feeling!!!!
ReplyDeleteShe is looking pretty, but he does have to brush up a bit :)
Nice photo's all the same, worth the neck strain.
Grace
Thanks GG, I think.{:))
DeleteYah, we call that strain in the back of the neck "warbler neck". Many of the warblers migrate through after the leaves have flushed out. Here in New England, the tree canopy can be quite dense. That's why I like birding in the western states.
ReplyDeleteSo, did we have a winner or did she send them both packing?
I didn't see the outcome Steve. I imagine she must have chosen one.
DeleteHave the odd blackcap up in the trees around my flat, most usually males, and certainly never in mass flirts like you've witnessed!
ReplyDeleteQuite a few around now Simon.
DeleteLovely to see these birds in action, hope the neck is OK, well worth it to get these shots though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzie, I have recovered, just.{:))
Deletegreat pics raw. I just think that shock of black/brown is punky
ReplyDeleteThanks Pete. It is a bit unusual.
DeleteGreat shots Roy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ian.
DeleteThey are a very pretty bird. Great photos Roy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise.
DeleteWhat a lovely post, Roy, regardless of the weather.... It is as bad here!
ReplyDeleteI can confirm they sing very well and loudly but I find it difficult to follow them and try to take pics of them unless I am in a hide and they pose for me in front of my lens!! LOL!
Keep well, enjoy your evening :)
Great that you could put this blackcap so beautiful in the picture!
ReplyDeleteThanks Helma.
DeleteWell captured Roy considering how difficult it is to capture these birds. Saw a female Blackcap in Bournemouth gardens today, judging by the noise she was making, she did not seem happy, quite cross I would say.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lyn.
DeleteShe must have a nest somewhere close by I should think.