Bombing Through

This reed bunting did a fly-by over the reeds and from the back you really couldn't tell it from a sparrow, but you have only to look at it's head and legs. The male has a more black head and I think this is a female.

Just look at those claws perfect for hanging onto and curling round tall long reeds. Marshy places and riversides are perfect nesting areas but they have been seen feeding with chaffinches and sparrows. The males run a string of nests each with it's own female and brood! 50% of chicks are not fathered by the pair but are the result of a dangerous liaison! The highest recorded rate of any other bird. A busy little bunting then!!!

If surprised it diverts attention from the nest by shuffling along the ground with wings outspread as if broken. Not a common bird round here!