Well what about this little beauty? It was lunchtime and there had been quite a lot of activity in the garden with Coal Tits and Blue Tits being joined by a Dunnock and Robin, all now getting really used to the idea that my garden is a good place to find food. From my kitchen window a little movement caught my attention and I expected to see one of the Tits moving through the cotoneaster towards the sunflower feeder. Imagine my pleasure when I saw a lovely bright and attractive male Blackcap. The first of the year. So I rushed up to the bathroom where I hoped to get a shot but there was no sign of him now. I waited and had a look at the activity further down the garden and was thrilled to see him again feeding on a the remains of a solitary apple hanging from the tree and protected by the leaves of clematis climbing through the branches. I quickly hurried to the garden shed where I positioned myself in the doorway behind some cam netting. Now with the lens focused in onto the apple I waited for 10 minutes or so. Imagine my excitement when something flew in and I focused on the bird above ………. a female of the species. I took lots of photographs of the bird who was intent on feeding on the fruit. I had wonderful views and as you can see got these fabulous photos.
Blackcaps are one of the Warbler species that are known to over-winter in southern Britain. I am not sure if the individuals that we have here in the winter are Northern birds who have moved here to replace our breeding population but I would hazard a guess that this is the case. I didn’t manage a good photo of the male but now they are around and they know there is a food source in the garden I am sure that they will be back. This will give me an opportunity to get some good shots of the male. I can’t wait!