It's the ideal time of year for photographing small birds like this male yellowhammer. For a start, the deciduous trees, while beginning to come into leaf, aren't fully out so birds are easier to spot.
The males are taking considerable risks in exposing themselves in prominent positions and singing loudly to attract sometimes unwanted attention, but that's what it takes to win a mate.
In between the singing they need to fuel up, so they're coming into our garden and feeding on our offerings even if it means risking coming uncomfortably close to where we're sitting.
Very often the feeders are crowded, so it's necessary to queue - and siskins are rather good at upside-down queuing.
The other joy of this time of year is that the males are in their very best finery. This is one of two or three song thrushes which are singing in the trees that border the rabbit field just up from our house. None of them is very proficient at singing, not yet, but they'll soon be in full-throated song, and that will be a joy to listen to.
Meanwhile, we have another first of the year - the first dandelion is out on a sunny bank not a hundred yards from out front door.
Earlier in March, you put your money on 21st March for the first Chiffchaff. It seems your travellers arrived a little earlier on 16th; however, in Devon, I have heard the first arrival - on 21st March! I can, however, glow in a little smugness, as our dandelions have been out for ovber four weeks now :) The blackthorn has been in flower for two weeks and the Hawthorn in leaf this last week. It is an exciting and happy time of year, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Derryck.
DeleteIt certainly is an exciting time. So much happens so quickly, and one never knows what the next surprise is going to be. And it's wonderful to be able to sit outside in relative warmth and watch it all happen.