An impressive thing about stonechats is that they always stand on the extreme tip of a vertical branch, rather than along a horizontal branch or on a wire like other birds do. They seem quite at ease like that, even on the tip of a thin flexible branch under strong gusts of winds.
European stonechats are not common in our area, but we have one couple living in our garden since last year. Mr and Mrs Stonechat are early risers and territorial, so they are often the first live beings I am seeing in the morning outside the house. They fly hop in front of me up to the beach, then they stay at the tip of a stem at the beach entrance, waiting for my return. Then, they fly back home with me up until we reach the apple trees. I like to think that they recognize my silhouette or my voice the same way I recognize theirs, but maybe I am just dreaming it.
The male is the one that comes really close to me and we seem to talk together. We have become good friends, and I get concerned if I do not hear its shrieking for some time. Unfortunately, I have learnt that it is going to live no more than 5 years.
How absolutely wonderful that they interact with you like that - that's a pleasure you could not buy! It's so strange that they are happy to balance on the ends of the stalk. :)
