I am constantly told that Whitethroat are a common bird and who am I to disagree. But all I would say is that it is a bird that I have not had much luck with over the years. I am glad to say that this year has been different. I saw my first just a few days ago, close to home, by the Exe in bramble and willow trees that border the river. Every time I have been back since I have seen one. I am not 100% sure that it is the same bird but probably. Contrary to popular theory this one is very prominent, singing his head off mostly from the highest branch, then sometimes at head height on the top of the brambles. They nest in just such a place, low down in thick brambles and stinging nettles. This male is singing to attract a female so I suppose when he is successful he will quieten down and be a lot more difficult to see.
This is a very picturesque pose with the lovely background, this shows the birds features beautifully. I am addicted to him already and I have been trying really hard to get a good shot. I must say, even though this is not the sharpest photo, it is a really nice picture, almost like an Archibald Thorburn watercolour. I have done a fair bit of painting in my time and would have been very pleased to replicate the background in this picture. Just look how this species got it’s name, the white throat is very prominant in this picture. I wonder if this is our nicest warbler species? It certainly makes our little brown Chiffchaffs look a bit dowdy and even the Cettis is dull in comparison.
His eye is particularly attractive and his flesh coloured legs are a real feature too.