Cirl Bunting, male. Prawle Point, South Devon. P9180738.jpg
The cirl bunting is a charming relative of the Yellowhammer that is at the limit of its European range in the UK. It is a Schedule 1 species. It's main residential stronghold in mainland UK is south Devon, where Natural England's Countryside Stewardship schemes have enabled the population to thrive in recent decades and they have now expanded their range into south-eastern Cornwall.
I knew that there was a male bird frequenting the area around a WW2 bunker site directly below the NT car park at Prawle Point. But after waiting for some time for him to return to his favoured perch, I decided to walk about 3/4 mile down the coast path eastwards to another area where I had seen CBs feeding and flocking.
On the way back, as I passed through the field gate opposite the area I'd been watching previously, I saw this little chap in front of the low hedge by the side of the path, only 10 yards away and directly in front of me, though I had to cross open ground to get closer. I edged nearer expecting him to fly but he simply sat and watched, as I got within about 8-10 feet. I was shooting very close to the late afternoon sun but I had to make do, as I couldn't work around him, being fully out in the open. He stayed for several minutes while I photographed him.
Thanks for viewing and thank you for your faves and comments
Cirl Bunting, male. Prawle Point, South Devon. P9180738.jpg
The cirl bunting is a charming relative of the Yellowhammer that is at the limit of its European range in the UK. It is a Schedule 1 species. It's main residential stronghold in mainland UK is south Devon, where Natural England's Countryside Stewardship schemes have enabled the population to thrive in recent decades and they have now expanded their range into south-eastern Cornwall.
I knew that there was a male bird frequenting the area around a WW2 bunker site directly below the NT car park at Prawle Point. But after waiting for some time for him to return to his favoured perch, I decided to walk about 3/4 mile down the coast path eastwards to another area where I had seen CBs feeding and flocking.
On the way back, as I passed through the field gate opposite the area I'd been watching previously, I saw this little chap in front of the low hedge by the side of the path, only 10 yards away and directly in front of me, though I had to cross open ground to get closer. I edged nearer expecting him to fly but he simply sat and watched, as I got within about 8-10 feet. I was shooting very close to the late afternoon sun but I had to make do, as I couldn't work around him, being fully out in the open. He stayed for several minutes while I photographed him.
Thanks for viewing and thank you for your faves and comments