I hold a Schedule 1. licence from Natural England which allows me to photograph this bird. You would be breaking the law if you deliberately disturbed a Dartford Warbler at it's nest territory and this includes for the purpose of photography. This afternoon I went to check on the territory that is covered by my licence and I was pleased to see the male singing as he patrolled his large territory. I have observed that males patrol their patch and sing from exposed perches. I have worked out where these favourites are, for example there is a dead tree which I have seen Dartfords singing from on almost every visit. I parked myself, covered in a cam net and waited until, after a lengthy wait, the male arrived nearby and started to sing. It was exciting as I knew he was on his way. So far, I haven't seen them carrying any nesting material but I have seen both the male and female together. If I continue my observations, I am sure I will be able to observe and hopefully photograph some interesting behaviour. Well, that's the plan anyway.

The blog will be a little quiet for a day or so as I am on my way to West Africa for a weeks photography starting this Saturday.