This is a female, one of several on a small section of the moor that I have been watching closely since I came back from Australia at the beginning of the month. Cuckoos were quiet today and I didn't hear one at all which was a surprise. I should imagine that territories no longer need to be established or defended and if there are still cuckoos on the moor they are keeping a low profile. Even though I sat around waiting, in the end I gave up and went to look for Whinchats, always good photogenic subjects. They are quite easy to see at this time of the season and perch at the top of bracken calling as they try to distract you from their nest sites. Even though this pair were aware of me, they still carried on catching food, as you can see. They are not too fussy and happy to take even bluebottles. It is really noticeable that the moor is rich in insect life at this time of the year. It is not hard for the birds to find food and they don't have to waste too much energy feeding themselves and their young. This is why Dartmoor is such a good habitat for breeding birds and can support thousands of pairs. It is also a good lesson in how important the environment is and also how fragile. Obviously, insects are prolific because the correct habitat is there to support them but it wouldn't take long for it all to collapse. As you can see from the photos, Whinchats are doing well because there is enough food.
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