Stonechat

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 I think I have mentioned these little birds before - but yesterday I was able to photograph both a male and a female so though it worth posting. These birds ( a bit smaller than a robin) are residents of heathland. The females could be confused with the very similar whinchat but whinchat are summer visitors making ID easier at this time of the year as stonechat are here all year round. Stonechat get their name from their calls which are supposed to sound like two small stones being struck together. First the male.


Then the female
Juveniles are more drab than either of these.

                                                                                Diary
A fox and a badger in overnight cameras.


There was apparently a fine display of the Northern  Lights over the valley last night but I missed it! Aaargh!






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