Why is it that when you see something rare you never seem to have your camera with you. Today as we were coming back from Shuttleworth I saw a white pheasant - yes it was pure white! If Steve hadn't been with me and seen it too, I would have thought I was seeing things. Anyway, I went back after fetching my camera and yes, you've guessed it, I couldn't find it but I did find this little fellow. He is a male blackcap.
Latin name
Sylvia atricapilla
Family
Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Where to see them
Best looked for in woodland, parks and gardens with plenty of trees and shrubs. In winter will readily come into gardens.
When to see them
Breeding birds arrive in April and May, leaving in September and October. Some European birds winter in the UK, largely in England.
What they eat
Insects and berries.
Population UK breeding* 1,200,000 territories UK wintering* - 3,000 birds -
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March.
I saw this little bird along the hedge opposite Sheerhatch Wood so it's right what the RSPB say, they can be found near hedges and woods!
Thank you for your kind comments and Favs - it is always much appreciated.
Great find, and lovely shot, Rosie. If you feed the birds through the winter, keep your eyes open as they often come into gardens, and when they find a good food source tend to keep returning.
@tomcurtisphotography Thanks I used my 80-400mm Nikon lens that I've nicknamed Big Bertha! It weighs 3.5lbs on its own so when mounted on the camera it is a heavyweight but a great lens
FAV from me :)