Posted by Dave Cordery on April 12, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I allways have a problem with warblers especially these LBJ's. People say the best way to identify is to learn the song but that is easier said then done. This is all that I managed of this bird before it flew has anyone got any ideas.
Regards
Dave
Posted by John Robinson on April 12, 2008 at 5:16 PM
To start the ball its either a Willow warbler or a Chiff chaff.
JohnR
Posted by Paul Marshall on April 12, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Hi Dave,
It's a Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff but in the UK spring birds are always the toughest to identify. My instict says Willow Warbler (general colouration, facial markings and primary projection) but wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to a Chiffchaff. People often quote leg colour as being a useful ID feature but I would suggest using this with caution as it is very variable and light can play a huge role in changing leg colour. Most birders tend to rely on jizz when identifying silent Willow Warbler/Chiffchaffs and unfortunately a photo just can't capture this!
Posted by Dave Cordery on April 13, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Thanks to everyone for the information. I had it down as one of them two warblers but that is as far as my knowledge would take me. I will mark it down as chiffchaff, thanks again.
Regards
Dave
Posted by Paul Inglis on April 13, 2008 at 6:46 AM
The image is quite small and very difficult to really ID from! Do you have any pic's with the legs showing? as the leg colour will help ID!
If I was to make a guess I'd say Willow Warbler!
Posted by Andy Shepherd on April 13, 2008 at 7:29 AM
Willow Warbler for me too , the dark green back , the very pale underside and the angular shape of the head as opposed to the round head of the Chiffchaff make this WW imo.
Andy...
Posted by Chris Jones on April 13, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Dave
Was it calling or singing, the Chiffchaff call is unmistakable and funny enough goes chiff-chaff where as the Willow Warbler has a melodious song.
For the record my money is on Chiffchaff, but I'm not a betting man
Regards
Chris
Posted by Dave Cordery on April 14, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I have not been able to reply as my keyboard decided to stop working. In answer to some questions. No I do not have any other pictures and it was not calling or singing at the time I took the picture.
Like the show I have asked the audience and the answer is willow warbler 4 chiffchaff 3
Discussion
9 repliesRegards
Dave
JohnR
It's a Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff but in the UK spring birds are always the toughest to identify. My instict says Willow Warbler (general colouration, facial markings and primary projection) but wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to a Chiffchaff. People often quote leg colour as being a useful ID feature but I would suggest using this with caution as it is very variable and light can play a huge role in changing leg colour. Most birders tend to rely on jizz when identifying silent Willow Warbler/Chiffchaffs and unfortunately a photo just can't capture this!
If you have any more photos it might help.
Best wishes
Paul
Phil.
Ian
Regards
Dave
If I was to make a guess I'd say Willow Warbler!
Willow Warbler for me too , the dark green back , the very pale underside and the angular shape of the head as opposed to the round head of the Chiffchaff make this WW imo.
Andy...
Was it calling or singing, the Chiffchaff call is unmistakable and funny enough goes chiff-chaff where as the Willow Warbler has a melodious song.
For the record my money is on Chiffchaff, but I'm not a betting man
Regards
Chris
Like the show I have asked the audience and the answer is willow warbler 4 chiffchaff 3
Regards again for the interest
Dave