Wood warblers in Cannock Chase

Wood warbler, Cannock chase

Wood warbler

Wood warbler

Wood warbler

Wood warbler

Wood warbler

Brown silver lines

Monday 17th May 2010

I like Cannock chase, but you do have to choose your time carefully. Avoid weekends if you can, easier said than done I know but essential if you dont want to be mown down by adrenalin junkies on bikes. Rain is good to, keeps the dog walkers closer to their cars. Actually it not that difficult to find a quiet spot even in the Seven springs / stepping stones area.

The emphasis today is on Wood warblers. I did see Common Redstart, 3 males and a female but no Flycatchers of any description. Wood warblers seem to have made a recovery in terms of numbers after a couple of poor years and they were performing well today.
I gather that the Sherbrook valley suffered a serious fire over the weekend, probably as a result of Arson. Its to be hoped that a number of senstive species survived and will be able to colonise other areas!