Meadow Pipits at Emsworthy Mire

There’s been an eruption of Garden Chafers, Phyllopertha horticola, at Emsworthy Mire. The bracken is covered in them. The local Meadow Pipits have been taking a break from fighting off the Cuckoos and gathering them.

I admire how plucky Meadow Pipits are.

They’re the favourite food for several species of predator and even have brood parasites specialising in cuckolding them.

This one must have chicks in a nest nearby. It has no intention of showing me where that nest is by taking food there. It’s time for me to give it some peace and space and let it feed its family.

It’s a hard life, if you’re a Meadow Pipit.