Northern Wheatear

First time I spotted it was in the Schoorl dunes, where it fluttered from post to post along the bike path. And shortly thereafter, indeed, saw one during a walk in the backyard, on a sandy patch of the Westerheide.

Besides shape and color, the bird’s posture is an important part of conveying the creature’s character. This wheatear often stands high on its legs. Alert and upright, it scans the surroundings for the next insect to run after.

The Northern Wheatear is not doing great in The Netherlands.

I printed this Wheatear in 2021.