Stonechat

Stonechat

A Stone’s Throw Away: Charming Stonechat and the Joys of Bird Photography in Lancashire

Greetings from the wonderfully verdant Lancashire countryside, my fellow photography enthusiasts! Today, we find ourselves amidst a charming adventure, hopping through bracken and gorse on a quest to capture the delightful Stonechats. Strap on your camera straps, pack your wellies, and join me as we chat about Stonechats. And, I assure you, you won’t need any ‘chat-up’ lines for these birds.

Stonechat
Stonechat

I’ve often found that small birds are the hardest to capture but offer the most rewarding results. The Stonechat, with its robin-sized physique, handsome black head, striking orange chest and call resembling two stones knocking together, has become one of my favourite subjects.

Stonechat
Stonechat

Whether you’re a seasoned snapper or an aspiring wildlife photographer, here are some tips that will help you capture these birds in their full glory.


  1. Be patient: This can’t be stressed enough. Wildlife photography is a waiting game. Most birds are shy. I’ve had many an hour-long stand-off with a bush, only to be rewarded with a fleeting glimpse of a feathery friend. But remember, the longer the wait, the sweeter the shot!
  2. Know your subject: Learning about the Stonechat’s habits will give you a huge advantage. They are known to favour the topmost perches, providing you with the perfect opportunity for a clear shot.
  3. Take advantage of the light: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions. The Stonechat’s vibrant colours are accentuated during these golden hours.
  4. Blend in: Try not to stick out like a sore thumb, or in our case, a colourful flamingo amongst the sparrows. Opt for subtle, natural colours when dressing for your shoot, and consider using a hide if possible.
  5. Gear up right: For bird photography, a good telephoto lens is a must. I use the Sigma 150-600mm on my Nikon Z50. It helps maintain a respectful distance from the birds while allowing for great detail capture.

Now, as promised, here are five fascinating facts about our friendly Stonechats:

  1. Stonechats get their unique name from their sharp “chat-chat” call, which sounds eerily like two stones being knocked together.
  2. They are residents of the UK, and can be found all year round, making them fantastic subjects for any season.
  3. Unlike some birds that flit off to warmer climes, Stonechats brave the winter in their scrubland homes, showing true British grit!
  4. Stonechats are territorially feisty and will actively defend their homes against intruders.
  5. Finally, the male Stonechats are the ones with the snazzy outfits. They sport a dashing black head with a white collar, an orange-red breast, and a dark brown back.

Stonechat
Stonechat

Before we wrap up, I just wanted to say that in this wonderful pursuit of ours, every missed shot is a step closer to a keeper. So, don’t get disheartened if you don’t get the perfect shot right away. Remember, we’re playing the long game here, folks.

Stay tuned for more of my nature-filled escapades. If you’ve enjoyed this, do consider bookmarking my website. It’s a digital nest filled with all my wildlife shenanigans!


Posted

in

,

by

Twiggy the Hedgehog