Yes, that's "garden Warblers" rather than "Garden Warblers"...... Most years, in spring or autumn, we get a warbler briefly visit our garden. Until now, I've always reckoned on these being Willow Warblers, as opposed to Chiffchaff, based on size and colouration (I never hear them utter a note) - our visitors are usually of a decent size, and have a distinctive yellow colouration underneath, which I believed indicated young Willow Warbler.
Today, amazingly, whilst reading a post from my good friend Paul Riddle about his first ever garden Chiffchaff, I glanced out of the window and saw a warbler. I quickly broke off reading Paul's blog, and grabbed the camera. I only managed some very poor record shots before the bird departed, one of which is below.
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| Chiffchaff - our garden |
Having put a 'comment' on Paul's blog, I saw that the bird had returned. At first I didn't manage any better images, but I was able to note that, 1.) it wasn't as yellow underneath as the warblers we have seen in our garden, and, 2.) it was considerably smaller than a nearby Goldfinch. I came to the conclusion that it had to be a Chiffchaff - a 'garden first' for me too! However, I'm still a little worried about my identification because of the yellow colouration and the relatively pale legs. Please let me know if you disagree
Later the bird returned again, and I was able to stand outside and get some rather better images, as shown below.
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| Chiffchaff - our garden |
From further examination of my images I came to the conclusion that the primary projection length was considerably less than the length of the tertials - diagnostic of Chiffchaff - but I stand to be corrected! I'm also wondering if my previous sightings of Willow Warbler in our garden were, in fact, Chiffchaff!
I love it, and I thinks it's a Chiffchaff, great photos too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob. Yours is the first vote!
DeleteGreat pics Richard, I would agree with Bob
ReplyDeleteThank you Alan. I rather like your own recent Chiffchaff image - and the Green Woody!
DeleteSuperb images Richard, they make me want to go and delete my effort!!! I too would say Chiffchaff.
ReplyDeleteI reckon yours is pretty good Paul. They are difficult though, aren't they! They just don't stay still. I was lucky that mine returned - twice! - and the last time I was ready for it!!
DeleteBeautiful photos - I don't think I've ever seen a Chiffchaff before.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue. They're quite common in these parts but, unless you look for them, they're more often heard than seen.
DeleteHi Richard
ReplyDeleteCan't help you with the identification but you really nailed it on the outing into the garden.
I was lucky Christian as this bird was too interested in picking off insects to take any notice of my presence!
DeleteLovely images Richard, each year about August through to October, I get a visitor, a Chiffchaff or a Willow Warbler, never quite sure. It is always just one bird.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. For a novice like me it can be a bit hard to tell a Chiffchaff from a Willow Warbler - unless they are singing!!
DeleteHi Richard,
ReplyDeleteOn Mike Alibones blog/bird reports there's a post titled Phylscopy (I might have spelt that last word wrong). It concerns the identification of Chiff Chaffs and Willow Warblers. I would say Chiif Chaff. www.northantsbirds.com is the site address
Thank you Douglas. That's a useful post:- http://northantsbirds.com/2012/09/01/phylloscopy/
DeleteBrilliant!
ReplyDeleteI manage this one once or twice but not as close!
Thank you Noushka. I was lucky that this one was too busy to notice me!
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