Dartford Warblers on a Heathland Event, Summer 2022

Dartford warblers are always a delight to see. These small birds, with rich colours and a distinctively long tail, are one of a number of specialist species that can be found in suitable heathland habitats.

Getting a good view of a Dartford warbler is not the easiest task, they are generally reclusive and spend much of their time hidden within gorse, birch and heather.

On a guided walk at a West Sussex heath we were treated to unusually prolonged and close views of these fine warblers. The reason for their showy behaviour became apparent, a couple of fledged Dartford chicks were receiving regular deliveries of spiders and insects from their parents.

Dartford Warbler. Photo by Les Phillips.

We watched eagerly as the parents were popping up left and right, fluttering from one small bush to another. The chicks, with more muted colours, fluffier feathers and remnants of the gape on their beaks, waited impatiently for the next snack to arrive.

Dartford Warbler food delivery. Photos by Les Phillips.

Behind us a tree pipit sang, it was tricky to know which direction to look in, given the Dartfords on one side, and the tree pipit the other! Several of these summer visitors were seen during the walk. They performed their energetic songs, and regularly took to the air showing off their song flight displays.

Tree Pipits. Photos by Les Phillips.

If you are interested in attending a guided birdwatching session, such as the one above, the upcoming events can be seen on the ‘Events’ page of this website. Or to stand the best chance of a space being available, you can get the information emailed to you prior to its publication online by joining my mailing list. To do so simply email me at baggaleyhugh@gmail.com

- Hugh Baggaley