The Common Whitethroat is another of the common warblers of the area that spends the winter in sub-Saharan Africa. I was pleased the see and hear them for the first time this year this morning. The old country name of Nettle Creeper well describes its habitat, just as its common name gives a good indication of its appearance. This species suffered a massive population drop of around 50% in 1969 and then by a further 50% over 5 the next five years. The reason for this was the drought in the Sahel region of Africa, highlighted by Sir Bob and Live Aid. Since then the population of Whitethroats has increased and may be getting up towards the pre-crash levels. Like most of the warblers it has a pleasant song, although is is a bit scratchy and lacks the musical quality of the Blackcap or Garden Warbler.
Saturday, 21 April 2007
Nettle Creeper - Whitethroat
The Common Whitethroat is another of the common warblers of the area that spends the winter in sub-Saharan Africa. I was pleased the see and hear them for the first time this year this morning. The old country name of Nettle Creeper well describes its habitat, just as its common name gives a good indication of its appearance. This species suffered a massive population drop of around 50% in 1969 and then by a further 50% over 5 the next five years. The reason for this was the drought in the Sahel region of Africa, highlighted by Sir Bob and Live Aid. Since then the population of Whitethroats has increased and may be getting up towards the pre-crash levels. Like most of the warblers it has a pleasant song, although is is a bit scratchy and lacks the musical quality of the Blackcap or Garden Warbler.
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2 comments:
Good to know the old name 'nettle creeper'. I found it used in the poem 'Haymaking' by Edward Thomas and looked it up - your info provided the answer. Nice one!
I’ve just found the nettle creeper in the same poem and looked it up today!
Good to know it is a white throat and to share the journey there with someone else. Edward Thomas used other old names in his poems like lads love for wild clematis.
Thank you.
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