I woke up this morning and was busy putting out the recycling when I spotted and almost stepped on a juvenile, female blackcap lying on the path.
I believe it to be a female as it had a light brown crown rather than the darker, chestnut brown found on the males.
I hoped it was just stunned after flying into a window or something but sadly it was dead. It had died fairly recently too as it was still slightly warm but the onset of rigor mortis had already begun.
It was a tiny little bird though, which comfortably fitted into the palm of my hand and was perfectly preserved, indicating that no foul play was involved.
I can only presume that it flew into the side of the house, stunned itself and plummeted to its death on the concrete path below.
Very odd though, as there was no wind, no obvious signs of a predator (a sparrowhawk or cat would certainly have collected its prey), no nest above and it had already long since fledged, judging by the size of the bird and feathers.
Blackcaps although not uncommon, aren't your every day garden bird, so it was sad to discover a dead juvenile from this year's brood but exciting to know they are in the vicinity.
Blackcaps are still migratory but many are now regularly wintering in this country especially during milder winters, (not that we've had many recently).
Like most warblers they have a delightful song and the blackcap is no exception - nicknamed the 'northern nightingale' with a fluting warble that can give any blackbird, a run for its money in the vocal stakes.
Talking of blackbirds...I've currently got a juvenile blackbird in the garden that bashes into my lounge window a few times each day? But is thankfully is a lot more robust than a little warbler.