Northern Wheatear

I’ve often seen this little bird (about the size of a robin) in the summer in rocky areas above 1,500m but never managed to photograph it. I was so delighted so see this little family in the Martisberg Valley.

Some information from the swiss ornithological institute … « Northern Wheatears have a broad distribution in the northern hemisphere, with all birds migrating to sub-Saharan Africa, including those breeding in North America. In the Alps, they breed in high mountain habitats that are under threat of climate and land-use changes. The Northern Wheatear has long wings and is able to achieve tremendous flight performances. 3000 km long flights over the open Atlantic are not uncommon, to arrive at their wintering places south of the Sahara. »

Extra of one of only two bouquetin I saw today. It was very cold and windy so perhaps the others had gone to find shelter before the rain arrives. 

I hope your weekend has been a good one.