Author Archives: Thomas Whitlock

Yesterday was my final dusk data collection at Pearman’s copse down by the M4 motorway. The weather was very pleasant, a very nice 18 degrees in fact, and in total 15 bird species were recorded, although none which hadn’t already been … Continue reading →

In Britain, the song thrush (Turdus philomelos) is categorized as a species of high national conservation concern because of a large population decline during the last three decades. Song thrushes ringed as nestlings, juveniles and adults during April–September were used … Continue reading →

The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a dainty and well-marked thrush. Despite its subdued colouration, the Song Thrush ranks as a favourite among bird watchers, and its beautiful and distinctive song contributes in no small way to its appeal. The sexes … Continue reading →

Tonight was the turn of my second dusk sampling at Redhatch Copse behind Sibly hall. The weather held out, and was a pleasant 22C! In total 13 species were recorded, with only the song thrush not being spotted previously. 

Long–tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) are cooperative breeders in which helpers exhibit a kin preference in their cooperative behaviour. Experiments have found that there are significant differences in the responses of breeders to the vocalizations of kin and non–kin, suggesting that vocal cues … Continue reading →

A delightful and often confiding little bird, the Long tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus) has a proportionally long tail and almost spherical body. The long-tailed tit is often seen in large animated flocks; it moves in a rather jerky fashion and has … Continue reading →

This morning was my first morning data collection point at Pearman’s Copse. As it was before dawn, the M4 was relatively free of traffic, which meant I could actually hear bird song! In total, another 16 bird species were recorded … Continue reading →

Young avian migrants of many species are able to find their species- or population-specific wintering area without the help of conspecifics. In orientation tests hand-raised birds have been demonstrated to choose appropriate population-specific migratory directions, suggesting a genetic basis to … Continue reading →

The Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) is a well-marked and distinctive warbler. The Blackcap has an engaging and musical song, and is easy to identify in all plumages. The sexes are dissimilar. 

Today was the turn of my first dawn sample at Redhatch Copse, behind Sibly Hall. It was very cold this morning – about 4 degrees – but 12 species were still spotted, with a further 5 species being recorded. In total 17 … Continue reading →