Back on the moor this morning……. I was hoping, now the weather was slightly better, that the Cuckoo would be back in his favourite trees, but unfortunately not. However, I had a great session and photographed not only Stonechat (above), but Meadow Pipit, and a great male Wheatear. I had noticed that the Stonechat was using the same perch repeatedly and I positioned my self close, but well hidden and camouflaged, with a clear view of the dead stump. I have actually seen the Cuckoo on this stump so there is always a bit of excitement in the air, you never know what will arrive. My plan was to try to photograph the Stonechat as he flew in to land on the perch and it wasn't long before I had some real success. In the end, it was easier to get photos as he flew in but did get a nice shot as he flew down to feed.
This is the best photograph that I have taken of a Wheatear, this species breeds here on Dartmoor and I have seen more of them this year than I have previously.
During my session the BBC were doing a feature nearby concerning the environment and EEC subsidies. When I went back to the car the BBC asked me if they could photograph me to use in their Spotlight TV report which I have just seen.

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