British birders have a particularly hard time distinguishing the willow warbler from the chiffchaff, unless the song of these similar-looking birds can be heard. The willow warbler has a soft, descending song, whereas that of the chiffchaff sounds like its name – a rhythmic “chiff-chaff”, ...
At this time of year, though, the farmer’s flail mower is the enemy of finches and foragers alike. Having, over the years, noted the most productive plants in the local hedgerows, often where there’s a break in the hedge for a gateway, it’s disappointing to fetch up armed with sec...