The Willow Warbler(s), living in the Hawthorn hedge behind us, has been returning daily. The Fennel in the planter harbours many Insects in all seasons, but now in summer, they are plentiful of course. In winter, Insects use the hollow stems of the Fennel.
A few days, I spotted the WW in the Fennel again and glad that it did not fly off while I focussed and zoomed in. After one picture she (somehow I seem think it is female. don't ask!) switched position to the back of the Fennel, which was then obscuring my view. Soon after she flew off, straight through one of the "gaps/holes" in the mesh of the fence between us and basketball cage of the school next door.
Willow Warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
For one reason or other I followed the bird with my eyes as she flew off. As I watched, she suddenly turned herself in mid-flight, flew towards and back through the fence (same gap)
Back in the garden she landed on the wall which is part of the fence. There she looked totally out of sorts, unsure of what she came to do here, and why was she back here? This picture captures that moment, where she had just returned, and probably wondering, "What the heck am I doing here?"
She came down onto the shelving on the wall shelving, walking the narrow ridge along the wall, and disappearing behind the Fennel before she delved into the 'shelter' which the Bindweed has created here. That is where I lost sight of her.
Yet I still wonder: What did she see here, that made her come back immediately? Did she spot movement when she was on her way out?
It is amazing to think that this little Bird, about 10-12cm, is flying back to Africa again, this autumn. Yet, they, like the Swallows, chittering away all the time, above the house and flying through the garden, will have to feed and feed so they will have enough fat resources to rely on during the long migration flight.
Until then, I hope she will allow me a couple more chances for a few more photos.
A few days, I spotted the WW in the Fennel again and glad that it did not fly off while I focussed and zoomed in. After one picture she (somehow I seem think it is female. don't ask!) switched position to the back of the Fennel, which was then obscuring my view. Soon after she flew off, straight through one of the "gaps/holes" in the mesh of the fence between us and basketball cage of the school next door.
Willow Warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
For one reason or other I followed the bird with my eyes as she flew off. As I watched, she suddenly turned herself in mid-flight, flew towards and back through the fence (same gap)
Back in the garden she landed on the wall which is part of the fence. There she looked totally out of sorts, unsure of what she came to do here, and why was she back here? This picture captures that moment, where she had just returned, and probably wondering, "What the heck am I doing here?"
She came down onto the shelving on the wall shelving, walking the narrow ridge along the wall, and disappearing behind the Fennel before she delved into the 'shelter' which the Bindweed has created here. That is where I lost sight of her.
Yet I still wonder: What did she see here, that made her come back immediately? Did she spot movement when she was on her way out?
It is amazing to think that this little Bird, about 10-12cm, is flying back to Africa again, this autumn. Yet, they, like the Swallows, chittering away all the time, above the house and flying through the garden, will have to feed and feed so they will have enough fat resources to rely on during the long migration flight.
Until then, I hope she will allow me a couple more chances for a few more photos.
Wow -- that is amazing. That's a long migration flight for such a little bird.
ReplyDeleteA long trip for such a tiny bird. Lovely little creature.
ReplyDeleteYes, our migrating birds are all amazing, indeed.
ReplyDeleteThe Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are looking very much identical; only the Chiffchaff has shorter wings, because it only needs to fly to to/from S. Europe instead of all the way to Africa.!