h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I saw my first Stonechat(s) today Me and the tribe were out for a walk down a bridle path near where i live. I like to take the kids to the pond to see the hundreds of Drangonflies that are there this time of year. We were not disappointed, there were loads of Ruddy darters and a couple of Common hawkers whizzing about. We also saw lots of butterflies, mostly Speckled wood's and Small whites.
After visitng the pond, we walked a bit further down the path. I should mention that either side of this path are trees and beyond that fields. I heard an unusual bird sound and wondered what it was. After finally managing the keep the youngest from making anymore noise......as boys typically do , i managed to pinpoint where the sound was coming from. It is a strange call, first a sort of chattering followed by a noise that can only be described as small stones hitting together Then came the first sighting A small bird, brown in colour, with a lighter chest. Then another one sat on a dead branch of a tree, unfortunately the sun was so bright i couldn't get a good look at the colouring. One thing is did notice though, was it was holding up a very nice fluffy crest.
Now someone will probably come along and tell me that was'nt a Stonechat at all, but something completely different. Thats Ok, as i'm only guessing it was a Stonechat by the noise it made. I'm no bird expert.

It sounds like you had a nice walk Venus . I am not an expert on birds either Venus (well, only the non-feathery type ), but I am sure somebody will know .

The Dragonflies are wonderful to see . I used to see a lot at work, especially down by the little stream which ran at the side of the wooded area. That was where I used to hide .

All the best.

Nigel

Venus,

Does this help:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/stonechat/index.asp

Listen also to Winchat (see link on same page)

Unfortunately these are birds I am not familiar with here.

Websailor

Hi Webbie.
Thanks for the link. I've listenend to the Stonechat and it was'nt that what i heard. However, i listened to the Winchat and thats what it was What i got a good view of was the female, the marking over the eye is exactly what i saw.
Mystery solved!

Geez, I know Micro$oft feels they must get involved in everything these days, but now the bird kingdom?

That WinChat is a pretty little thing though. A nice topper to a lovely time with your tribe, m'dear Goddess.

That comment is definately worth a

It was a pretty little bird, shame i did'nt get to see the male, thats much more impressive

I have TOLD you sooooo many time, ... A simple surgical procedure could embed that camera. For incidental and yet important stuffs ...

Sorry, I got your email today after being at a festival all weekend. Good to see Webbie sorted you out, anyway

Venus, you are so lucky... I have seen a number of Stonechats, and only seen one Whinchat! Well done you!

Btw, when are you next visiting Nodnol? It is late but I could do with your expertise in Kew on some plants as Autumn approaches!!!

How are you with heights?

http://apps.kew.org/trees

Better than me, I hope!!! Bring your camera!!!

MMF

As I understand things, heights are not one of the Lady's strong suits.

Hi Neal
I may not be happy with heights, but just the thought of walking through the top of the trees Thats not an oppotunity i'm going to pass up. Even if my knees go wobbly and stuff, i'm up for it!
I'll post some dates i can make it on the wild birds thread

Following up that link, I can only offer envy to not be able to share it with you both. That would be a fine day indeed.