Breeding Migrants- Wyre Forest

Yesterday we decided to walk along the old railway line in the Wyre Forest in order to see some of the recently arrived spring migrants.  Both Wood and Garden Warbler were in abundance, along with Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Mallard and a distant calling Cuckoo was noted.  We were however, still looking for the Pied Flycatchers that breed in the area and having no luck, sat on a stump overlooking the Knowles Coppice Reserve.  It was then that we spotted a small bird not 10 metres away from us.  So we followed it down one of the paths and found it was in fact a Female Pied Flycatcher!  Not only that, but it was collecting material (mostly moss) to line its nest with (inside a nest box).  Shortly afterwards, the stunning Male arrived- a truly handsome bird, which guarded the nest box while the female was away gathering materials.  Theses birds are declining in the area so hopefully this pair can successfully raise a brood this summer.

Male Pied Flycatcher

Male and Female At The Nest Box

Male and Female taking turns at the Nest

Female collecting Moss

Female Pied Flycatcher

Female Pied Flycatcher

Starting Off- Otmoor

I have recently decided to create my own birding blog after being inspired by others who successfully do the same.  I intend to catalogue all of my birding journeys and species I encounter starting this.

Whilst in Oxfordshire yesterday I decided to have a brief trip to Otmoor (RSPB), despite torrential rain. Waterfowl included: Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, 5 White-Fronted Goose and Mute Swan.  Later on a party of Wigeon flew in, only to be spooked by an overhead flypast from a Female (Ringtail) Hen Harrier.  Waders included:  Lapwing, Golden Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank, and Common Snipe.  Other birds of interest were Chiffchaffs, numerous Little Egrets and Grey Heron, with one particular individual on its nest.

Female Hen Harrier