Always one of the last to arrive in the UK for the summer, the Spotted Flycatcher has undergone a huge population drop and they are now a very scarce breeder in our area with only one or two pairs to be found.
When I were a lad they use to nest in all the urban parks from East Ham, Ilford, Wanstead and Barking and could often be found nesting in gardens with enough cover to host a pair.
I have vivid memories of a pair that always nested in my Great Aunt Ivy's leafy garden in Plashet Grove in opposite West Ham Park and I can remember hearing those weak contact calls and watching them sally forth from the huge Walnut tree in her garden.....
So today when Tony H found four in the woodland it made me smile. They showed well on and off and I hope to escape for a look after work...
Well done Tony and cheers to John Lane for the stunning shot...
14-5-14