As I have said on many occasion, I am fond of Stonechats. There is a pair very close to home at the moment living on a small stream feeding on the insect life attracted to clumps of Bullrushes and reeds. They are quite easy to get close to but soon move in if you don't! The male always seems to be less approachable than the female and I have found this to be the case with other pairs before. The best strategy for a good photo is to position the portable chair hide close to the reed clump, and well, just sit it out. Eventually they will come and perch on the reeds giving a grand show and having no idea of my presence I usually get some nice photos as well. Today, in the afternoon the sky cleared to reveal glorious early winter sun and with that at my back it was a great opportunity to go and see if I could get a better shot than previously. I will let you decide but I think, probably yes.

In winter plumage they are not quite as well marked as the summer, but a nice attractive bird never the less. As I sat there trying to get a good shot I became aware that there was a Reed Bunting perched very close to the chat. It was a male but the photos of him didn't really come off. Suddenly I noticed the female just behind and she showed her self really well. Here she is.