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Firetail Safaris – May and June 2025
Wed 18th Jun, 2025
Firetail is an old English nickname for Common Redstart. Redstarts are one of the most impressive and fascinating songbirds which migrate from Africa to nest in the UK.
This year I decided to design our first small group Firetail Safaris. A day exploring the western valleys of the North York Moors National Park an area full of fantastic landscapes and fabulous wildlife.
Firetail Safari - Ancient Oak Woodland Birding - North Yorkshire Spring 2025 © Richard Baines
On our Birding Discovery Days and species safari tours we take huge pride in spending a significant amount of time alongside some of the most diverse habitats in Yorkshire. We devote enough time to really learn about our great birds. This is slow birding at its best. Time to drink in the experience with minimal time driving and maximum time birding.
Firetail Safari - Moorland Birding - North Yorkshire Spring 2025 © Richard Baines
This was my strategy for the Firetail Safaris and it really worked. Six one day trips with six guests on each day, spread over five weeks starting at 7am in Helmsley. The early start meant we could be in the best area at the best time of day and when there are very few people around, just us and great wildlife.
Eurasian Curlew North Yorkshire © Richard Baines
Our first stop was in an area of moorland on the edge of pasture with a mix of small woodlands. A classic combination of three habitats. In this area we enjoyed great views of breeding Northern Lapwings, Eurasian Curlews, Common Snipe, Northern Wheatear and Red Grouse. What we didn’t expect were so many great views of Common Cuckoos on the 7th June. No less than five were chasing each other around a small woodland. At the same time a Snipe was drumming in front of us and Curlews singing around us. A very special moment.
A short drive down the road was my site for Tree Pipits which consistently paid dividends providing great views on most trip dates. Family groups of Common Stonechats flitted along by the side of the road alongside occasional Green Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrushes and Eurasian Jays.
Moving north to more pasture fields we found roadside Lapwing chicks a real delight. It was great to see them grow over the six trips from tiny balls of feathers in early May with dinky bills into robust stout legged independent juveniles by early June.
All of these stops before the main event could be distracting but the early start always meant we arrived at the Firetail site in good time.
Common Redstart female - North Yorkshire Spring 2025 © Richard Baines
Within a few meters of the parking area, we could hear Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers before we even started the walk. The crisp morning air with the sounds of Africa jewels singing amongst the ancient oak woodland was a real thrill.
On each trip we were able to watch Redstart and Pied Flycatcher nests from a safe distance through my scope and learn about their lifecycle. We spent several hours within a very small area on each trip listening, watching and learning. This was really rewarding birding.
Common Redstart male - North Yorkshire Spring 2025 © Richard Baines
On the first visits we noticed the male Redstart spending significant amounts of time away from the nest whilst the female was on eggs. A week later when she started feeding the small nestlings, the male was still only visiting the nest occasionally. He would often be drawn across the canopy towards another male Redstart. These excursions were important territory flights to ensure their territory was secure.
Common Redstart male - North Yorkshire Spring 2025 © Richard Baines
Towards the end of May the male spent more time visiting the nest to help feed the chicks alongside the female. Bigger hungry nestlings meant more pressure for food. Then on the 6th June we were excited to see the first fledged chick on the ground below the nest close to a Stinging Nettle patch. At this stage we heard the sound of the adult’s change. A short sweet seep followed by a small click call. Calling to the newly fledged chicks had started which meant we were able to hear when there were successful Redstarts nearby. This sound change was fascinating and a major change in woodland audio. At this late breeding stage, the male would only sing occasionally and often only shorter versions of the song compared to the spring.
Pied Flycatcher male - North Yorkshire © Richard Baines
Meanwhile nearby several male Pied Flycatchers were still singing their hearts out in early June. At this site there were a number of unpaired males still belting out their beautiful song while the Redstarts were feeding fledged juveniles.
Late morning on each date was spent watching Eurasian Tree Sparrows feed juveniles and Common House Martins nest building alongside family groups of Marsh Tits whilst sipping tea and eating cake at the charming Hawnby Tea Room. Lunch was taken by in the company of peaceful woodland dominated by ancient oak trees and Redstart song.
Above the woodlands Curlews and Eurasian Oystercatchers sang from nearby pasture fields and distant Cuckoos could be heard alongside singing Mistle Thrushes. On most dates we also watched two Red Kites hunting low over the fields looking for feeding opportunities. On two days we found an elusive pair of Spotted Flycatchers and on one date we had great views of a family of White-throated Dippers.
Duke of Burgundy - North Yorkshire Spring 2025 © Richard Baines
The weather was so good on one date we visited a site for Duke of Burgundy butterflies. This was perfect timing becasue they are only on the wing for a short time each spring. We were really pleased to find over a dozen adults on the wing looking splendid.
It was a real treat to share these great places, birds and wildlife with my guests. Even better to hear all the great feedback. ‘What a fabulous day’ Jan Deck Firetail Safari guest Spring 2025.
YCN Director and Wildlife Guide