High hopes of a redstart restart

THESE BEAUTIFUL BIRDS HAVE HAD IT TOUGH BUT HOPEFULLY TIMES ARE CHANGING

- Stuart Winter

BIRDWATCHERS near and far are hot on the fiery tails of arguably our most vibrant songbird - the paint-by-numbers marvel that is the redstart.

Catching sight of one of these visions in red, white and blue does not so much spark patriotic pride but induces that feelgood hormonal rush that comes from experiencing natural wonders.

Even in the post-breeding days of early autumn, when males are in a subdued state of moult and young birds and females are plumed in brownish hues, one quick flash of their shimmering, quivering tails always leaves you feeling all is good in the world.