Today we’ve been walking the Pembrokeshire coast path from Strumble Head towards Pwll Deri in what can only be described as full on t-shirt weather. My main blog entry covering events will be up on Monday, but I just couldn’t resist sharing this little snippet right away. The reason I hear you ask?

Wryneck, near Strumble Head

I found this Wryneck in an area of Gorse just off the main path and couldn’t contain my excitement as it hopped through the vegetation and from fence post to fence post. It proved to be incredibly approachable and is by far the best bird I have ever self found. Things were about to get even better though as one of two Dartford Warblers who were also in the vicinity took a distinct dislike to our migrant visitor. It got closer and closer until finally they came face to face.

Dartford Warbler and Wryneck, near Strumble Head

To see either of these species is always a treat, but to get them both together in the same photograph? That must be almost unheard of and I’m still buzzing now.


7 Comments

holdingmoments · October 6, 2012 at 8:27 pm

Well done.
That's a cracking shot of the Wryneck.

TexWisGirl · October 6, 2012 at 8:27 pm

the wryneck has FABULOUS plumage! very, very nice sighting/catch on camera!

J · October 6, 2012 at 8:38 pm

Amazing to get two rare birds in one photo. Can imagine your excitement. Well done!

Paul Parsons · October 6, 2012 at 9:39 pm

Brilliant shots Adam, great find.

Stewart M · October 8, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Thats the kind of shot you need a tripod for! No change of hand holding that with all the excitement!

I once spent a bitter cold spring evening trying to find a wryneck that we knew was in some desolate quarry in Northumbria! It remains an un-ticked bird!

Great pictures!

Cheers – Stewart M – Australia

Adam Tilt · October 9, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Keith – thanks.

TexWisGirl – it's a beauty isn't it? Remarkable how well they blend into their surroundings.

Jeremy – still can't believe it myself!

Paul – thanks very much.

Stewart – I know that feeling and thanks.

Caroline Gill · October 18, 2012 at 7:21 pm

Amazing photos, Adam. I gather from the RSPB that Wales is not a usual spot for Wrynecks, so all the more special for that (& RSPB Red conservation status).

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