From tropical Africa to temperate South Devon

The Pied Flycatchers have landed. They’ve made it back from tropical Africa to a small wooded valley in South Devon. They are specialists of old woodland which has just the right kind of insect food and nesting possibilities.

There aren’t enough old trees with holes in for their nests to support the population here. It’s the limiting factor, so a range of luxury wooden flats have been built and attached to likely trees.

The male Pied Flycatchers arrive here first so they can grab a nest site and defend it in advance of the arrival of choosy females.

This one was inspecting nest box 429. I was enjoying watching him and listening to his song from the treetops when he spotted a rival and was off on a chase.

I wish him well.