My attempt to complete a patch walk late am today was again thwarted by two heavy downpours. The under foot conditions were already fairly waterlogged after the last few days showers and the water levels are still rising ... but it's OK if you are a duck or goose!
What does always surprise me is the volume of bird song especially when it is raining although I guess they still need to proclaim their territorial rights regardless of the conditions. Most notable, of course, were the Blackbirds and Robins (they appear to sing at any time of day and at every opportunity). As I tried to gain some relief from the sparse leafy canopy during one of the heaviest showers I was serenaded by Wren, Linnet, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and a probable Garden Warbler. The chorus died down as a male Sparrowhawk dropped into a nearby tree for a few seconds rest. A pair of Bullfinches also made a brief but silent appearance.
As the rain abated a Common Whitethroat put in an appearance and after flitting from one tangled clump of vegetation to another it finally decided it was time to add its short scratchy voice to the existing chorus.
Linking to WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY.
such a cute little singing puffball! :)
ReplyDeleteTerrific images! We've received about a half inch of rain here too. Things are pretty soggy, but it was really dry here, so it was welcome.
ReplyDeleteLove that warbler singing his happy tune. Have a good weekend Frank. Carol
ReplyDeleteI could almost hear audio on your post. :)
ReplyDeleteLove how you captured that Whitethroat singing his heart out!
ReplyDeleteI love wildlife watching, that's what everyone needs. Your captures of the Whitethroat is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi!!!..here is it raining...:-) and also birds singing.. Great pictures.. Saludos..
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a very lovely walk, despite the rains Frank~
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for my first Whitethroat's Frank.
ReplyDeleteLovely captures in full song.
Lovely images of the songster Frank.
ReplyDeleteYou singing Frank, I don't think we are quite ready for that.{:)
ReplyDeleteWonderful images Frank, despite all the rain we've had!
ReplyDeletelovely shots Frank, regardless of the dismal conditions you still got a great post out of it
ReplyDeleteFrom katypate, how do you do it Frank, your photos are wonderful, I'm trying to get pics of my blue tits without much luck, they are so fast! Have taken peanuts away, to deter the jays who seem much too interested in the tit box. Still hoping to hear those nightingales. Kate
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone. Thanks for all the lovely comments.
ReplyDeleteThe rain finally abated today and the sun shone but according to the forecast we are due for more rain!
Hope to catch up with you all very soon ... Cheers FAB.
I'm sort of in the same thing!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the forecast is wrong and that you do get some great weather for birding. Meanwhile, I very much enjoyed your photos of the Common Whitethroat.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bedraggled little bird.
ReplyDeleteVery good post!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures of the little bird singing!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great outing even with the rain and hawk showing up. Love the cute shots of the Whitethroat. I hope you weather has improved. Happy Birding!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and an interesting observation about the birds singing in the rain. I have also observed that they sing more when there is light rain - a different matter of course with the real tropical downpours. I think everything takes cover then!
ReplyDeleteouch, thats wet. Not fun, but the singing birds might have been worth it.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute little singing Whitethroat!
ReplyDeleteSinging in the rain!
ReplyDeleteLove that last shot but I'm sorry about your wet feet.
ReplyDeleteIt always surprises me when I hear birds singing in the pouring rain.
ReplyDelete