Heath & Hard Rocks

Continuing on my previous letters from Brittany (subscribe now if you have missed them), today I'm sharing with you what I experienced near "home". For two weeks, we rented a house and explored the region from there: sometimes close, sometimes far. Brittany attracts a lot of tourists, and the hinterland is heavily farmed, but the coast has retained a hint of rawness in many places. A small cape near our base provided nice opportunities for me to play with the local birds.

Common linnet (Linaria cannabina)

The heath was flowering, with oranges, purples, greens and yellows intertwined, and it was never as spectacular as during sunrise. There, I mostly met songbirds: sometimes a Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) popped up from the brush, but mostly it was a group of Common linnets (Linaria cannabina) that I photographed. It was August, so there were a bunch of young birds. On the other hand, there wasn't much singing anymore, but I was lucky to see one male perch not-too-far for a few thrilling moments. Its crimson markings on the head and chest looked stunning!

Common linnet

Common linnet

Common linnet

Another species I encountered was the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), but it never came close. I had fun with several individuals, trying to picture them in their habitat of rock and long grass. One particularly interesting feature of my shoots there was the deep blue sea I could include in the background of my images. It's different from the sky, and it looks good even later in the morning, when the light is harsher and the sky becomes pale, almost grey.

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)

Meadow Pipit, sea background

Meadow Pipit, sky background

Meadow Pipit

​The sharp rock formations that overlooked the ocean tickled my brain. I liked the textures, the colours, and the bright yellow lichens that grew on them. Therefore, I was happy to find some birds on them! Some linnets again, but also a Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), a young one I think, based on the creamy colour overall and the contrasting wing feathers. It was a bit shy, but not as shy as the other birds around, which was a very welcome change.

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Northern Wheatear

Common linnet

Common linnet

I did see some gulls, Northern gannets (Morus bassanus) and Eurasian oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) flying above the bay, along the shore, but I never managed to capture them well. They were too far, and I didn't have the right angle. I focused on what I had at hand, realising that, with so little time, I could only achieve so much. The two weeks flew by, and soon it was time to head back to Finland. ​

Common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus)

Northern Wheatear

Common wood pigeon

BIRD INVENTORY