Our Spotted Flycatchers

They're here every year - late in building the nest, compared to other birds. It all starts in July, but the speed with which they complete the nest, lay the eggs and raise their babies is astonishing!! I took these pictures today of the last youngster to fledge - it just sat on the edge of the nest, looking at me. I think there were four or five there yesterday. The nests are always built about 6 - 7 feet from the ground, on the sheltered and shaded side of a wall or building. Just as well; this year the parent was sitting on the eggs in record breaking temperatures. We had some rain last week, just enough to fill up the water butts and now we're right back in the heatwave.