Each year now we are fortunate that either a male or female Stonechat or both, arrive for the Winter and frequent the open grassland on part of the Parkland.
This year its one of each and they appear in good condition. There is certainly plenty of food around for them as they are constantly flying up in to the air from a bramble bush or hopping from fence line onto the grass catching insects.
One of their favourite spots to perch is this bramble bush below which is out in the middle of a large meadow area. They have 360 visual of raptors and can drop into the bush at any time. Where this bush is located its unlikely a Sparrowhawk would attempt anything as it would be seen for several hundred metres in any direction.
I've always thought it interesting how some small birds adopt the strategy you describe while others, like Cetti's Warblers, use completely the opposite approach, staying hidden and even singing from cover.
ReplyDeleteYes bold little things John, like they own the field.
DeleteCracking little birds Roy, complemented by a cracking set of images...[;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Trevor, always a pleasure to photograph these.
DeleteIhanat kuvat, mahtavasta linnusta!
ReplyDeleteKiitos Anne
DeleteSuper lieux avec des bokeh exceptionnels Roy.
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup Nathalie.
DeleteHey Roy... Talking about birds appearing for the winter doesn't seem possible times flies by so quickly.
ReplyDeleteNice shots of these little birds. Especially like the one either singing or being vocal about something.
Grace
Thanks GG, yes it flies by even more now.
DeleteHello Roy
ReplyDeletevery beautiful and atmospheric photos, so close and so sharp ... awesome
Greetings Frank
Hi Frank, thanks.
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