Black Redstarts and Dartford Warblers, early Dec 2024

BR and DW are two species that I like to find at least once a year, usually when we are in Devon.

The Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata) is a small, dark, long-tailed bird native to the UK, primarily inhabiting lowland heathlands in southern England. Unlike many warblers, it is a resident species and does not migrate, making it particularly vulnerable to harsh winter conditions.

Historically, the UK's Dartford Warbler population has experienced significant fluctuations. In the early 1960s, severe winters reduced the population to just 11 pairs. However, milder winters and conservation efforts facilitated a substantial recovery, with an estimated 3,214 breeding pairs recorded during a national survey in 2006. Pictures from RSPB Aylesbeare Common.







The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a scarce breeding bird in the UK, with an estimated population of 19 to 44 pairs. Often associated with urban areas, particularly post-industrial sites, where it nests in crevices on buildings and ruins. Black redstarts are migratory, with some individuals overwintering in the UK, especially in the south, while others travel to warmer regions in Europe and North Africa.  Pictures from the Lyme Regis cemetery.











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