Seasonal First (1): Pied Flycatcher ... and Tadpoles

We have just returned from a long weekend in Wales, where we enjoyed watching a pair of Pied Flycatchers. They didn't hang about for long although there was a fair amount of coming and going around the nestbox. We kept a very low profile and a good distance ... I apologise for the quality of this record shot ... but there they are! 

I took the following photo a year ago, and posted it on 30 May 2011 ...

You can see my other 2011 Pied Flycatcher photos here and here ...

I also saw my first tadpoles on Saturday. Most were a good size, but had not started to show their legs.

Last year's 'First Tadpole of the Season' photos (20 April - much earlier!) are here

I am still waiting to see Sand Martins this year, but have now seen Swifts, Swallows and House Martins. I noticed my first yellow butterfly yesterday, but it didn't come close enough for me to see it properly. I guess it was a male Brimstone. I also saw my first 2012 jellyfish, which will feature in a different post.

Beautiful Birds (27): Pied Flycatcher in South Wales

It was, as ever, a real privilege to watch this beautiful bird tending its young. We didn't see the chicks, but we watched both parents flying back and forth with tender morsels.

Previous Pied Flycatcher post

• 2011

Beautiful Birds (24): Pied Flycatchers

Last weekend ...

We noticed a flash of black and white ...

... as a male Pied Flycatcher appeared in a favoured nesting spot.

He flitted from tree to tree ...

... and it wasn't long before we saw the female.

The two were preparing to mate, with much flapping of wings in a kind of air dance. They were too quick for us to catch on camera, but it was a joy to behold.