I was actually watching an over-wintering Chiffchaff, dotting about in an area of scrub and tall reeds and occasionally giving its characteristic short call, when the ever-cheerful ‘cheep, cheep, cheep’ of the local gang of House sparrows distracted me.

And, as the Chiffchaff wouldn’t come out to play, I focused instead on the sparrows, as they’re always so entertaining to watch and much more cooperative photographic subjects. This handsome male was enjoying his luncheon, munching contentedly on the flower buds of a nearby Gorse bush.