As Daffnet is quiet at the moment, I thought that this picture might be of interest to some of you.
For several years a pair of Spotted Flycatchers (Muscicapa striata ) have nested in or around our garden. They are about the last of the summer migrants to arrive and frequently one of the first to depart. This year they built their nest in the corner of a wall basket hanging by the gate in our courtyard, and I did not find it until I went to plant up the basket for its summer display. Whislt she was sitting on her eggs, the hen bird paid no attention to anybody who came through the gate, however once the eggs hatched we were “buzzed ” by both parents when ever someone ventured near the nest. This photo is of the last of the chicks to fly, he/she sat on the edge of the basket for several hours before making the big leap. Since the chicks flew last week we have seen them on a number of occassions so know that all is well with this years brood.
Unfortunately I could not get a shot of either of the adults as they are never still and far too fast.
Regards
Mike
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