Thursday 23 May 2013

Stonechat.


A visit to another area of important lowland heath on a very windy morning today provided me with the opportunity to spend a little time with a typical inhabitant, the Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola), whose throaty, clicking alarm call 'vist trak-trak, vist ...' always  alerts me to its presence. (Click below to listen).


The males love to perch atop young pine or on the top of gorse bushes to survey their territory, to warn their partners of any predators and to sing. (Click below to listen to its song.)

They regularly move from perch to perch but never straying too far from the nesting area. Unfortunately the much drabber female only made a brief appearance above the vegetation before disappearing.

Hopefully on a less windy day a few other species will show themselves ..... FAB.

Linking to Camera Critters and I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'

36 comments:

  1. Love little birds like this. Reminds of sparrows and chickadees.

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    1. Me too Carol, but not that easy to get close to!

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  2. what a pretty little dark head and russet body!

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    1. Yes Theresa, it's very distinctive and difficult to miss.

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  3. not sure why I've been missing your posts, though I was subscribed but now am your latest follower at least. Enjoyed these birds and a lovely outing for you to capture them Frank. Hope spring holds tight for you there

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    1. Carole M. Thank you and pleased you are looking in again.

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  4. Gorgeous is what he is. Lovely lovely shots.

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  5. Nice! A lovely bird that is in serious decline around our way! Haven't seen one this year, will have to wait until autumn!
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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    1. John, they have been thin on the ground around here also but starting to be more vocal.

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  6. HI Frank...Loved hearing ,and seeing the Stonechat singing away setting on the tippy- top of the tree!!
    Nice shot's!!
    Grace
    ps I had my first clematis blossom today!! How about you?? : )

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    1. Hi Grace. One Clematis has been in flower for just over a week but the others seem slow this year ... lack of sunshine and warmth.

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  7. Interesting little bird there. I can see how that sound would stick in your mind! Nice photos!

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    1. Kathie. I'm sure you appreciate that a lot of my birding is done by ear!

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  8. Great find Frank, and he posed for you perfectly!...[;o)

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    1. Thanks Trevor ... I was laying down again ..lol.

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  9. Handsome little guy. Wonderful series and so nice to hear him too! Happy Critter Day!

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  10. Great idea add sounds of birds. Lovely bird. I haven't see Stonechat [pol. poklÄ…skawka ] :) yet

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    1. Damian. I'm sure if you listen in the right habitat you will find one as quite a few of the sound recordings on http://www.xeno-canto.org came from Poland in May.

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  11. Nice post, great photowork!

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  12. Hansdome fellows!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  13. These are some great shots - we have a few of them around here - some great pics in the previous posting too with your Aqualegias - something I learnt from watching Chelsea this year when Chris Beardshaw mentioned that The common name "columbine" comes from the Latin for "dove", due to the resemblance of the inverted flower to five doves clustered together...

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  14. Wonderful shots of this cute little bird.

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  15. Frank, these images are stunning!!! What wonderful, gorgeous colors. And your photos are certainly picture post card perfect. In every way.

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  16. Always nice to see what others see when they go looking for birds.

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  17. You did well to capture this guy on a windy day!

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  18. It is a beautiful bird, great photos!

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  19. Such beautiful photos of the Stonechat!

    Tammy

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  20. Fantastic shot and lighting!

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  21. Lovely series. :) What sweet little birds.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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