Ring ouzel (Turdus torquatus)

Slightly smaller and slimmer than a blackbird - male ring ouzels are particularly distinctive with their black plumage with a pale wing panel and striking white breast band. They tend to be shyer than other thrushes, although they will often associate with them after the breeding season.

I took these photographs during a recent walk on moorland near Consett. The female was sitting on its nest and flew off as I walked past, I retreated and watched as the female stood guard from a distance and eventually was joined by its mate. I retreated completely to allow the birds to return to their nest.