I have often stated that, at least around here, going for a stroll in the woods carrying the camera very rarely leads to any worthwhile images on the card. However, if you’re prepared to carry an extra bit of technology (a phone with some bird recordings on it for instance) then you may stack the cards a little more in your favour.

Most birds figure playback out real quick, and lose all interest. But this little feller, a willow warbler very recently arrived from his winter quarters in Africa, either enjoyed the challenge or was simply not the fastest bird in the woods (willows…). He stuck around for the same recording for a loong time, unfortunately always perching in places where the light was all wrong. But these few shots turned out nicely all the same.

I’m normally not much into square crops, but I think it works here.

Although this one is shot into the light the shade makes it almost work.

Whenever he got excited he’d flutter his wings like crazy – he does the same when the girls are around – and it makes him look very earnest. Warbler chicks must dig earnest-looking dudes.