Stonechat & Swallow Nest (was - Bird ID + nests)

TrentPirate

Can someone help idenify this bird, I was clearing an area near gorse over a few days and this guy turned up and followed us around each time and landed in the patches we cleared off looking for insects I assume, reminded me of how robins follow gardeners

Also is there anyway of idenifying what birds nested by looking at this nest? It's in an old house on our land, the summer gone a couple of fledglings flew over our heads when we went in, I am thinking swallows.

Thanks in advance

Judgement Day

It's a Swallow's nest. Would it be a Stonechat in the gorse - hard to tell from the pics and I haven't seen one for years.

TrentPirate

Ah that could be it Judgement, we are right on the coastline also which fits in with what it says on birdwatchireland, thanks

swifts need our help!

Its a female Stonechat

Here's a photo I took

whyulittle

The OP's bird is a male, I would have thought.

In the second pic in particular you can see it has a fairly distinct black head and white collar.

swifts need our help!

Or is it a pair?

whyulittle

Could well be.