A nice male Dartford Warbler photographed somewhere in Devon yesterday. They are an odd little bird with a long almost shaggy tail. They seem deformed at times with their large heads and thin bodies and a bright eye with a demeanour that looks severe and angry. They keep low in the undergrowth but can fly strongly when they feel the need. Usually they move through the tangles of vegetation but will then, from time to time pop up on to the top of low shrubs,  gorse and heather and brambles.  This one was literally in brambles next to a bridle path.  As I walked along I could hear the distinctive very low call, unmistakeable once you have heard it a few times. I stepped back and hoped that it would pop up out of the vegetation as they do and there it was, just for a  spilt second but I was waiting and had anticipated where it would perch. Lucky, but very satisfying and achieved because I have been learning about their behaviour which is key to getting good photos of any species. In addition, good field craft is essential. Keeping a low profile, not standing out in the open against the skyline, wearing subdued and cryptic clothing rather than a bright jacket etc.  If you are with a friend, talk in a low voice, stick to paths and don't go crashing through the undergrowth. Sit down where possible.   All common sense but the advent of good optics has made people less reliant on good fieldcraft.  I rarely take binoculars out with me which I know you may think odd but I rely on being very quiet, secretive and having a knowledge of my target.   I have been a birder all my life and almost all of the time as a loner, just recently I have been birding with a few friends and its good to see that we share the same ethos, quite often 4 eyes are better than two.  Dartford Warbler are a schedule one bird and you should never disturb them intentionally at or around their nest, its against the law but if you are a bird lover then you wouldnt want to anyway.  Keep to tracks and dont divulge their whereabouts or betray their presence to anyone.  There are devious people out there and we should all be on our guard.  If you are in a known Dartford Warbler area and see peole acting unusually then think about notifying the Devon Wildlife Crimes Officer PC Josh Marshall.