Hidden deep in the reeds of a Yorkshire lake, are some spellbinding, and extraordinarily skillful birds. Discover the remarkable mastery and beauty of the reed warbler.
Reed warblers: infamous cuckoo hosts
I set out into the reed beds with one goal: to find and film a cuckoo. These birds are famous for their extraordinary parasitic behaviour — laying eggs in the nests of other species and tricking them into raising their chicks. And since reed warblers are one of the cuckoo’s favourite host birds, I knew if I wanted to capture that drama, this was the place to be.
But as I waded through the water and pushed my way through the maze of reeds, I became entranced by the reed warblers themselves. At first glance, and from a distance, these small birds are plain, brown and easy to overlook. Yet up close, they are full of character and surprisingly beautiful.
Searching for cuckoo egg
I had made it my mission to find their nests, and thereby find a cuckoo egg, and I started my search early in the season - just as the reed warblers arrived from their winter migration. But it wasn't long before these tiny birds captured my attention entirely.
Skilful nest builders
I watched as they weaved their nests - delicate cups of reeds and grasses and suspended above the water to protect them from predators. Incredibly, these tiny structures are built in just a matter of days, using nothing but the bird’s beak to weave each strand into place. From inside my hide I watched as males and females worked together, carefully reinforcing the nests and preparing for the eggs that would soon be laid.
What followed was a remarkable insight into their lives: the laying of eggs, the shared shifts of incubation, and finally the hatching of chicks. Both parents shared the work, one brooding while the other brought food, swapping roles with tender precision.
Hidden beauties
All the while I could hear cuckoos calling in the distance — a reminder of the story I had originally set out to capture. But in the process I uncovered a new one: the hidden beauty of reed warblers. This film is part one of that journey. In part two, the cuckoo finally arrives.
7 commentaires
Uplifting to watch – thank you – great to know of someone cherishing nature’s wonder.
A magical film!
A great insight into how they build and weave the nest.
I await all your videos… who needs tv?
So beautiful. I treasure these stories and films. Thank you.
I love your posts on Mother Nature and the talent you project whether just pictures, camera videos, paintings or blogs. Keep up the good work to teach us more about nature and her birds, animals and habitants. Well done.
We are always amazed at the hard work by the little birds, as well as yours, Robert. Grateful to see this! from the mountains of Va.
Thank you for these remarkable films of Reed warblers. It is a glimpse into their world impossible for the normal birder to have. We can truly appreciate the brilliance of nature through your incredible efforts to study it. So valuable.
Beautiful nature