I normally see just one Dunnock at a time so it was fascinating watching what appeared to be a bonding session. Then to my amazement a third appeared. I assume this was a second male as there was a short altercation between it and one of the others and it beat a hasty retreat. After that the original two Dunnocks went their separate way in the garden and started gleaning any dropped seeds they could find.
Eventually they disappeared back into the dappled shade of the bushes. Just as I though that was going to be the only really interesting observation for the day I spied a Wren which spent most of its time partly or fully hidden from view but just for a few seconds it landed on the roof of my shed which gave a quick photo opportunity.
It was really lovely to see two of the shy visitors to the garden and look forward to capturing the pair of Dunnocks on video one day.
Lovely shots John.
ReplyDeleteThey have a beautiful song as well, surprisingly.
Beautiful photos, John! As you say it is nice to see two of the more shy visitors.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what happened to the comment I left yesterday but I kept getting error messages so suspect it disappeared into the ether :( However I enjoyed the videos and remember saying that peanuts are not overly popular in my garden either. I don't put many in the feeders now as I was always throwing old ones away.
Dunnocks would be a good expletive, though, wouldn't it ;) ~ although not very kind to such a sweet looking bird. I've heard they are very shy, so it's commendable that you were able to get such clear photos out in the open. Interesting again about the coquettish behaviour. The petite wren is lovely. You had a most successful photo day :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your videos yesterday as well. I have recently purchased a very large bag of black oil sunflowers, which seem to be appealing to the large and small feathered world ~ fromntiny chickadees to large blue jays! I'm going to be busy refilling - often!
Thank you Roy. I agree, their song is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan. It's usually being in the right place at the right time with those visitors who seldom come in the open. To see three Dunnocks together, well that was a rare treat!
ReplyDeleteI had a similar problem leaving comments about a week ago. Endless errors. In the end I copied each comment before trying to post it to save having to re-write them.
Hello Glo. I think one was paying more attention to flirting than possible danger, for a while anyway.
ReplyDeleteBlack sunflower seeds do seem to be more popular than the stripy kind, here anyway. I must try to get some close video of the way the Coal Tits manage to jiggle them round to fit in their beak before flying off.
Cracking shots John. The Dunnock has quite a racy love life......be an 'X' rated video if you capture it. lol
ReplyDeleteHi there John, this title caught my eye… I’ve been watching the Dunnocks too. They are one of my favs. Nice photos. I was working on a posting on them at the same time. Fascinating little birds :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you Keith. It made quite a change for them to stay still for a few seconds.
ReplyDeleteHello Shirl. They are interesting to watch as they go about their fairly secretive lives without bothering others.
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