Dartford Warblers on Aylesbeare Common

A trip to the Exeter Vaccination Centre was my morning appointment. It’s only seven minutes by car from there to RSPB Aylesbeare Common. I’ve been to the reserve at dusk to see Nightjars flying but never been here during the day. Now is my chance to explore and look for a Dartford Warbler.

And here’s one coming along right now:

Dartford Warbler on Aylesbeare Common - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They’re lovely, aren’t they?

Dartford Warbler on Aylesbeare Common - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They’re not at all what I expected. They’re very long-tailed and have real character when they fly. They remind me of seeing Sardinian Warblers; they have the same fleshy eye-ring. Dartford Warblers seem very furtive. I saw two in the same bush and they definitely seemed up to no good. Occasionally they fly up to a perch to survey their domain. It’s amusing to see such a small living being so utterly convinced that it owns this territory. People are very similar.

Dartford Warbler on Aylesbeare Common - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I particularly like their white-feathered chins.

Dartford Warbler on Aylesbeare Common - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

It’s been a lovely two hours. Now I have to rush back for a trustee meeting of the children’s charity for which I volunteer. A vaccination, a wonderful wildlife experience and a finance committee. That’s variety for you.

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