European Stonechat (m) - a photo on Flickriver

European Stonechat (m)

            European Stonechat / saxicola rubecola. Westleton Heath, Suffolk. 17/05/23.

'PROTECTION TACTICS.' (2)

This male Stonechat perched prominently on Silver Birch brash amid the heather on Westleton Heath. Prior to this, both he and his mate had been busy feeding their three demanding fledglings.

I made the image when he flew closer and deliberately made himself visible, whilst checking me out. Interestingly, the rest of the family remained distant. I think he was distracting my attention from them - an effective protection tactic.
I didn't stay for long ...

BEST VIEWED LARGE.

Taken on: May 17, 2023

Tags:

european stonechat

saxicola rubecula

suffolk

adult

bird

fairly common

widespread

localised

coastland

inland

rural

open habitat

clifftops

bushy heathland

gorse

heather

bracken

moorland

resident population

overwinters

move inland during winter

passerine

perches

perches prominently

upright posture

white neck patches

rusty-orange breast

mottled, brown back/wings

brown streaked crown

black head in summer

black legs + feet

dark eyes

pointed black beak

feeds mostly on ground

small insects

spiders

insect larvae

small worms

small seeds

will take insects in air

darting flight

whirling wing action

loud, sharp calls

scolding calls

like stones striking together

spring

heathland

perched

watchful

protecting fledglings

bokeh « less

Sets appears in: • Upload to flickr • Birds

Groups appears in: • Birds of Britain and Ireland • British wild birds more » • Wildlife Of Great Britain and Ireland. • Birds and Wildlife UK • * Birds of Britain * • Countryfile • Wildlife UK • Suffolk Wildlife • Suffolk Birds • BBC Springwatch (Official) • British Bird Photography WILD BIRDS ONLY • Wildlife In East Anglia • WILD BRITAIN. • East of England Wildlife • Wild life photography bokeh • Birds and nature of the uk • All Birds UK • Wildlife Lockdown Images « less

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