Reed Buntings at Seaton Wetlands

It’s a dull, misty day and the light isn’t great at Seaton Wetlands. There’s a flurry of activity and a Reed Bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus, arrives close to us. It’s a male with striking plumage:

Reed Bunting - Seaton - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I suspect that this one is a female, although I wouldn’t be surprised if I was told it’s a male in winter plumage:

Reed Bunting - Seaton - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They are such smart, alert birds, they are a delight to watch:

It’s over forty years since I first saw them. Here’s my sketch from my childhood nature notebooks:

This one has just had a drink and has a wet chin:

Reed Bunting - Seaton - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I find them really appealing.

Reed Bunting - Seaton - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Do you?

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