Dunnock

[Babs]

Well we had really sad weather here again today, I definitely chose the wrong week to have off work, anyway managed to capture this Dunnock early this morning

[rolf]

Lovely shot Babs, shows what an attractive little bird they are.

[Babs]

Thanks rolf, yes they are doing a lot of displaying at the moment and this is probably how I managed to get one with a few feathers out of place which is the kind of shots I like

[andy b]

really excellent image babs. weather apart, babs, there is'nt a 'wrong' week to be off work!!!
a facinating fact about dunnocks, i remember from watching a wildlife program. after the male mates with the female, the male seals... well, lets say the female opening (can't remember with what substance) to prevent any other males from mating with her . he does this with his beak. the program went on to show a rival male 'pick' out the substance and try his luck.

[andy b]

after entering my reply i googled this behaviour, and found my memory wanting... ever so slightly. the male does not seal the female. infact a rival male may peck out the previously deposited sperm of another male, to ensure the he only can fertilise the male. this is known as cloacal pecking.
apparently the dunnock leads a complex life and this behaviour occurs when two male 'share' one female.

[andy b]

sorry, my typing. the line that makes no sense should read. that the rival pecks out the sperm of another male to ensure that he is the only one to fertilise the female

[Blue Jay]

nice capture Babs