A complete lack of distinguishing features
We’ve driven from Rome to Napoli, have abandoned the car and caught a ferry to the island of Capri for a couple of days. The Puffin Whisperer has work here, but I’m free to wander. This is the life.
Here is the view from the hotel:
The heat is gelato-consumption-inducing. On one of the narrow lanes there’s a beautifully tended garden, with potatoes under grapevines and a warbler concentrating hard on gorging itself. I can identify with it.
The most distinctive thing about this Garden Warbler, Sylvia borin, is the complete absence of distinguishing features. What can you say about it? There’s a faint patch of greyish on the side of the neck? The legs are a little bit dark? It’s having a fabulous time stuffing itself with fruit on a Nespola bush. I check and Nespola means Medlar. The rich orangey-yellow fruit look lovely in this warm sunshine. The Garden Warbler’s name in Italian is Beccafico, which means Fig-Pecker. In this case it’s a Beccanespola.
We’re off for aperitivo in Capri’s Piazzetta tonight. I’m putting my best shirt on. It’s €19 for an Aperol Spritz and a few salty snacks. I think the Garden Warbler enjoyed its wild feast more.
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