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.

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.

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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Stonechats get their unique name from their sharp “chat-chat” call, which sounds eerily like two stones being knocked together.
- They are residents of the UK, and can be found all year round, making them fantastic subjects for any season.
- Unlike some birds that flit off to warmer climes, Stonechats brave the winter in their scrubland homes, showing true British grit!
- Stonechats are territorially feisty and will actively defend their homes against intruders.
- 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.

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!