At one time Britain's most common bird species (an accolade now with the chaffinch), the wren is one of the most elusive both to see and photograph. Largely a bird that prefers to skulk in the shadows it rarely presents itself for long as it restlessly seeks out small morsels of food. All that changes in spring, when the male birds proclaim their territories with the gusto befitting a bird ten times the size. From its tiny frame, the wren projects a song that is worthy of any avian choir and one that is instantly recognisable to most people. With tail erect and wings fluttering, the male whips himself up into a inferno of passion, his body quivering as he delivers his serenade.