Firecrests

Wendover Woods: This morning, just beyond The Hale avenue, this little Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus) briefly came down from the tree tops and into the sun. S/he was there but a split second. I fired off a burst of shots and the moment was gone. Magical.

I dread to think how many hours I’ve spent standing under trees in Wendover Woods, listening to the ringing of Firecrests, waiting for them to pop out or to come a little lower. Photographing them requires the patience of a saint or an endless reserve of energy, neither of which I have, and today’s one shot is definitely my best in the 4 years I’ve been trying.

I spent about an hour quietly and carefully listening to the woodland today. The trees really were alive with Firecrests. I saw at least 6 different birds and heard more. They aren’t easy though and every Spring I have to reacquaint myself with their song before heading to Wendover.