It was while watching this delightful little Meadow pipit at its bath and preening session a couple of weeks ago that I noticed another small bird dotting around on the grass nearby.

That bird turned out to be my mega find, a Lapland bunting. But, in all honesty, this little Meadow pipit was just as lovely and, as I was being very quiet and moving very slowly forward, and it was taking great pains over its toilette, it let me get quite close.

Meadow pipits have such pretty markings and, at this time of year, when they’ve recently completed their moult, their colouring is rich and warm. I thought this little sweetie deserved its moment in the spotlight as much as the vagrant bunting.