Corn Bunting, Emberiza calandra-
Heartwood Forest; this is only the 2nd location within the county (Herts.) where I've been lucky enough to encounter this species at close quarters (& the other site is being slowly destroyed by the development plans for the accursed "HS2").
I've been visiting Heartwood on a semi-regular basis throughout this Winter & it has been a real joy to witness the bird-life present in the area.
I already knew that it is a great place for Winter roosting Yellow Hammer.& Reed Buntings but this was the 1st time I'd seen the Corn Buntings.
There appeared to be only a small number present at the time & they were loosely mixed within a flock of Reed Buntings. The birds were all pretty "flighty" & I was lucky to get a few clicks of the camera before they moved-on. Technically, I don't rate this shot too highly but it does confirm that they are in the area.
I'm hopeful that come Spring-time, I might be treated to the sight & sound of a male perched high & singing his jingle-jangle tune.
Corn Bunting, Emberiza calandra-
Heartwood Forest; this is only the 2nd location within the county (Herts.) where I've been lucky enough to encounter this species at close quarters (& the other site is being slowly destroyed by the development plans for the accursed "HS2").
I've been visiting Heartwood on a semi-regular basis throughout this Winter & it has been a real joy to witness the bird-life present in the area.
I already knew that it is a great place for Winter roosting Yellow Hammer.& Reed Buntings but this was the 1st time I'd seen the Corn Buntings.
There appeared to be only a small number present at the time & they were loosely mixed within a flock of Reed Buntings. The birds were all pretty "flighty" & I was lucky to get a few clicks of the camera before they moved-on. Technically, I don't rate this shot too highly but it does confirm that they are in the area.
I'm hopeful that come Spring-time, I might be treated to the sight & sound of a male perched high & singing his jingle-jangle tune.