Wednesday 31 March 2010

Next Term's Wildlife 1: Redstart

Redstart
Over the next 10 days or so before the new term starts, and there are no new pictures to upload, I'm going to focus on a single species, which most classes will catch up with in the following weeks. Today's bird is a Redstart. This belongs to the chat family, so is closely related to the Robin, Stonechat, Whinchat, Wheatear & Nightingale. It is a summer visitor, and hopefully we'll be observing these stunning birds during a trip to the Yorkshire wolds, where it breeds in fairly small, yet stable numbers. This exquisitely beautiful bird has declined in recent years, and is mainly found in the West & North of the UK, and a few years ago wasn't thought to breed in the East Riding. Class members will be introduced to this bird in an undisturbed and beautiful part of our county, where we should also see other locally scarce species. Hopefully, 'students' will be introduced to its pleasant, if rather weak warbling song, as well as its stunning plumage. I'm hoping we'll be able to compare & contrast the gorgeous male with the much drabber and usually shyer female.
If you are interested in joining the classes there are some vacancies on a Thurs am, or a Tues pm with single places available on Weds pm, Fri am & Fri pm. Please contact me if you would like to book a place & have the chance of enjoying a close encounter with a Redstart & other exciting summer migrants.

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