Spotted Flycatchers
With their brownish-grey feathers, spotted flycatchers may seem a little dull. They are certainly not as colourful as say kingfishers which are highly sought after subjects for many wildlife photographers. To me, spotted flycatchers are beautiful in a subtle understated way. Their fly-catching antics, which have given them their name, involve flying from a perch, dashing to grab a flying insect and then returning to the same perch, are simply charming.
This image of a spotted flycatcher perched on a rusty garden ornament whilst hunting for insects, was made several years ago in my garden during one of the Covid lockdowns. At a time when we were confined to our homes, save for one hour of exercise each day, I was fortunate to have a pair of spotted flycatchers nesting in a gap in the brickwork of my house under the roof. During this lockdown, I spent many hours sitting peacefully in my garden watching and photographing these spotted flycatchers as they raised their young. This time with nature helped me greatly during this lockdown.
During Covid, with movement restricted, the importance of our connection with the natural world was yet again made clear for all to see. However, in the years that have passed, it appears that many have forgotten how important nature is for our physical and mental wellbeing.
Spotted Flycatchers numbers in the UK have declined by almost 90% since 1970. As a result of this decline, spotted flycatchers are now on the UK’s Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern and they are a Priority Conservation Species. Several of the UK's conservation organisations are working to understand this decline and how it can be stopped and reversed.
Spotted flycatchers return to the UK to breed in May. I am keeping a watch to see if a pair will again nest in that gap in the brickwork under the roof of my house.
Image made with the Nikon Z6II and Nikon 600mm f4 VR lens with 1.4 teleconverter and FTZ adapter. 1/500 second, f5.6 at ISO 720.
