Bog Myrtle & Peat

This is the first year that I have ever noticed wheatears on the Chayne, and over the past three months, the little birds have become a really significant part of the farm’s character. They flicked their white tails ahead of the car as I drove up to the farm, settling on the stone walls for a brief moment, then taking to the air again with a characteristic undulating flight.

Over the last few days, the wheatears have suddenly multiplied  and undergone a massive population explosion. Looking closely, it is clear that the young have just left the nest and are flying in energetic coveys alongside their parents. Juvenile wheatears closely resemble their parents in shape and size, but their plumage is noticeably browner and dowdier. They seem to stand upright in that confident “I’m here!” posture that is so entertaining in adult birds. Fingers crossed that they will be able to avoid the numerous predators and make their way to Africa when it starts getting too cold around these parts.