Having spent most of the week either gardening or starting on some long outstanding redecorating jobs indoors I felt the need to get out today and see what other migrants might have turned up. A visit to Thursley Common seemed a good choice and produced several singing Willow Warblers, a Tree Pipit and two Swallows passing through to add to my year list.
But the highlight was finding three male [Common] Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) recently arrived from Africa and I watched one individual stamp his authority on the others as it staked out its new breeding territory.
Resplendent in its breeding plumage; orange-red breast, black throat and white forehead; and constantly vibrating its tail to reveal the rusty-red feathers.
After the other two males vacated the immediate area I had to wait quite a time before this male decided to perch briefly to allow the lens to focus. Once the females arrive nesting will begin in earnest and I'll try to return to get some better images. FAB.
absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteRedstarts are so much fun to watch with their energetic tail wagging. We have American Redstarts that winter here. I believe they are mostly on their way north now.
ReplyDeleteIt was well worth the visit outdoors to captures these great shot!
ReplyDeleteYour Redstart is a beauty! Awesome shots, Frank! Thank you for linking up, have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteFantastic!! Can't wait to see them back in my area. Did manage a Black Redstart in the week, but I do love the Common species.
ReplyDeleteLovely images Frank of a very pretty little bird.
ReplyDeleteI do so envy you being able to capture so many birds and creatures with your camera.
Stunning!!! Absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty bird! Sounds like your year list is growing longer now!
ReplyDeleteThese are just so gorgeous Frank, beautiful bird and images! Have fun with those chores!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous birds, would love to see one. Unlikely in my neck of the woods, a black is more likely here.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots, Frank!
ReplyDeleteI've been after them a long time, the Common Redstart. Well caught, really well photographed Frank.
ReplyDeleteNice bird and nice picture.
ReplyDeleteYou must have a nice weekend too.
K
okay...I can embrace critter Saturday a lot more than Thursday fences. You always grab me with critters :)
ReplyDeleteVery pretty bird. I have never seen one.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! What a nice find!
ReplyDeletea very beautiful and interesting bird.
ReplyDeletehis drawing is excellent, great shots!
Greetings from germany
Fabulous photos of a very beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteSuperb birds Frank.
ReplyDeleteHoping to see some soon :-)
Well done Frank, you've captured some lovely (close!) shots of this stunning little bird...much better than the 'little dots in a bush' that I managed a few days ago!...[;o)
ReplyDeleteNice photos !
ReplyDeleteLovely. It is such a pleasure to see so many birds I have never seen in real life.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday from Port Canaveral where the Brown Pelicans live,
Lois :)
These are great Frank, a beautiful bird to see even if one didn't get to photograph it.
ReplyDeleteI don't recall seeing a male before
I'm loving this, even tho I was here yesterday as Hootin' Anni....I'm still enjoying it's beauty again today.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you shared these with us at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend. Thanks.
Some great images there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning little bird. I have never seen this species in the UK but I have seen it many times in Africa. I will be visiting Britain this July so perhaps I can rectify that omission.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank!!. Nice bird and great captures.. Cheers!!!
ReplyDeleteSo good to have the migrants back and they don't get much better than a Redstart.
ReplyDeleteOh beautiful birds ... A joy to spot, thanks for sharing. I'm glad you are having a good spring!
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots of the Redstart
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ,Nette
ReplyDeletewonderful images of the redstarts :)
ReplyDelete