I was delighted to find some Wheatears on my local patch. I really thought that I might miss seeing these birds this year. Over the course of a week, there were up to 3 birds present. I think some may have moved on quite quickly, to be replaced by others, but it was great to be able to stop and watch them hopping around. Some of the females looked to be of Greenland race. Quite a bit stockier and darker in colour. Great looking birds and one I always look forward to welcoming back from migration.
Male Wheatear
A bit further down the road, and I could hear a Common Whitethroat singing. It took me a while to locate, but I knew it was there. It did eventually show itself at the top of a tree, where I like to see them. Great to have them back in the country. Hopefully I'll get to see them lots more on my rides and walks.
I am really missing singing willow warbler and I fear I am not going to get one. There are none near me where I walk and I would have to make a non essential journey to get one. To me they are more of a spring herald than swallow and I miss their song.
ReplyDeleteThe same Derek. It wasn't until this year I realised how much I do miss them. I took them for granted before, when I'd hear them most days.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThey are both beautiful birds. Pretty series and sightings! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend. PS, thank you for the visit and comment.
It's good that your are getting out and about Adam, despite the lockdown. There's nothing wrong with using last year's pictures to illustarte your points and to describe your birding.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice spring, Adam, full of captures!
ReplyDeleteThe Wheatears are really beautiful.
ALthough I have seen wheatears elsewhere, this makes me realize how little birding I have done in England. Well, I hope it’s not too late!
ReplyDeletebe well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
love it
ReplyDeleteLooks like a thorny perch! What beautiful birds and a great time to get out with our cameras! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Adam. I remember many years ago finding a Northern Wheatear while visiting the RSPB Reserve at Conwy in Wales, and I thought I had a rarity. The ho hum response of the naturalist I reported it to quickly made me realize I had not! Still a great bird to find though.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures!
ReplyDelete...the Wheatear is a beauty and one that is new to me! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a wheatear. Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteIs the first time I see a Wheatear! I don't know this bird at all!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful pictures! Thank you for visiting!
Have a nice Sunday!
Why not use photos from previous bike/birding treks? I'm lovin' it all. Your photos are so cheerful. I bet it feels good to get out in the air after weeks of lockdown!
ReplyDeleteYour sharing today is much appreciated. Thank you for linking in!
Beautiful birds!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
Beautiful photos of the Wheatear and the Common Whitethroat.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it.
Best regards Irma
pretty birds, wonderful images...it is nice to rummage through the archives. this time, last year, was so very different!!!
ReplyDeleteAlways excellent photography of our feathered friends ~ thanks ^_^
ReplyDeleteBe Well, Happy Mother's Day
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Beautiful little birds!
ReplyDeleteit's a pretty little bird
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/05/a-surprise-visitor.html
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteCute little birds. I can see the whitethroat singing in the 2nd last photo!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, how sweet! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBike rides and walks are so important right now to not feel isolated. - Margy
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of these small perchers ... and I’m glad you saw them again. Actually, I’m glad you’re able to get outside at all. I try to walk every day and that helps.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of beautiful birds. Sounds like you had a good time birding and biking. I heard a woodpecker in the area behind my house this morning, but when I finally saw him, he decided to fly away. That's okay. I enjoyed seeing the flash of his red head.
ReplyDeletewonderful photos with the Birds. Very nice scenen!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen much birds arriving but the wheatear is here. So far I have not seen any female. I hope they will arrive. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! I have woken very early a few times lately and the dawn chorus has been a real treat!
ReplyDeleteHi Adam, beautiful photos of this beautiful birds. Sometimes we have them too. Greetings Caroline
ReplyDelete