Spotted Flycatcher Fledglings

Spotted flycatchers have declined by almost 90% between 1967-2012, making them fairly rare breeders in the UK. Although they're quite drab when it comes to plumage and song, it's hard not to be impressed by their patience as they perch on an exposed branch, eyes fixed on potential prey, before flitting off and catching insects in flight in an impressive aerobatic display. During an isolation stint at my home on the Bucks/Ox border, I was really happy to see three flycatcher fledglings in the yew tree! At first from a distance I thought they might be robin juveniles, but it quickly became apparent that I was wrong when the parents starting regularly visiting them with freshly-caught flies.