Redstart

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Redstart

 Redstart (female) Ashdown Forest 13th May, 2012

Nikon D300S 500mm

Overview

Redstarts are immediately identifiable by their bright orange-red tails, which they often quiver. Breeding males look smart, with slate grey upper parts, black faces and wings, and an orange rump and chest. Females and young are duller. Redstarts 'bob' in a very robin-like manner, but spend little time at ground level. It is included on the Amber List as species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe where it is declining.

Where to see them

Mainly found in the north and west of the UK, with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Particularly likes oak woodlands, also hedgerows, alongside streams and parkland. On passage in is best looked for in coastal scrub, thickets and woodland.

When to see them

April to September

What they eat

Mainly insects; also spiders, worms and berries.

Whitethroat

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Whitethroat

A beautiful Whitethroat - Ashdown Forest

13th May, 2012 Nikon D300S 500mm

Cuckoo

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Cuckoo

Cuckoo - photograph taken 13th May, 2012Ashdown Forest- Nikon D300S 500mm

Overview

The cuckoo is a dove-sized bird with blue grey upper parts, head and chest with dark barred white under parts. Sexes are similar and the young are brown. They are summer visitors and well-known brood parasites, the females laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, especially meadow pipits, dunnocks and reed warblers. Their recent population decline makes this a Red List species.

Where to see them

Cuckoos can be seen throughout the UK, but are especially numerous in southern and central England.

When to see them

Adults arrive in late March or April and depart in July or August, with young birds leaving a month or so later.

What they eat

Insects, especially hairy caterpillars.