Wildlife Photographic Journals

Last of the Flycatchers

As I had not done too well with my efforts for pied flycatchers this year, I decided to give it one last go. Driving up to the site I visit I was wondering if I had left it too late as these birds appear to vanish after rearing their young. I think it was a close call as I only managed to find two pairs of birds with the rest and their young having done the disappearing act. The lighting on the day was tricky in the woods. The dense canopy creating dark conditions punctuated by sunlight which had the appearance of dancing spotlights as the branches swayed in a steady wind above. As usual the female was playing hard to get so I concentrated most of my efforts on the male bird.

The female bringing back insects to chicks which were probably a second brood.

Male and female birds passing food to each other

The males are always a tricky exposure with their combination of white and black plumage.

Harvestman seemed a popular item on the menu.