I'm over the MOON!

[The Black Rabbit]

Our garden has been visited (every other day or so as far as I know, maybe every day) by a myserious visitor.
Drab. Nondescript almost, apart from what looks like a white primary or two.
Silent.
Never still.
Never on the Lime tree for long. Never really long enough for me to grab some binoculars, never mind a camera.
Its even been on the ground, (the vegetable bed) ONCE. For about 2 seconds.
Still I couldn't work it out.... but I did have my suspicions!

Those suspicions were confirmed this morning when it DID stick around long enough for me to reach for the binoculars. (ID first. Photo later!)

I'm over the moon because it is one of the overwintering Chiffchaffs.
Woooh hooo!

I will now show you the photo of said bird.
Brace yourselves - this could be the finest photo WAB has ever seen...



























Ok. Its terrible eh?
Taken from behind dirty double glazing from some way away. in a blind panic.
Its a TERRIBLE photo - but do I care??!!!
In case you an't actually see it, its SLAP BANG in the middle of the image, in front of the angled trunk. How could you miss it?!

I've had a really nice day off today, and seen some wonderful birds around my favourite spots (even though I really wanted to see some deer).
But our little drab overwintering Chiffchaff (who has dipped its wing in brilliant white by the look of it) has me made up!

NB. I will try and get a better photo as and when...
Doug


ps.
On the subject of overwintering warblers.... anyone know if there is a decent population of overwintering Willow Warblers (as well as Chiffchaffs?)

[Kayleigh]

It took a few goes to find the bird. Its like that programme.. where's willy.

I know what you mean though, I only had sparrows. Then I put up two black sunflower feeders. I have a chaffinch come regular and to day I got a green finch. Hope they go and tell their friends.

My hubby keeps telling me he saw a male and female black cap I have yet to see them..

[Stomperone]

Looks like a female chaffinch to me Doug....

It may not be "wildlife on one" standards but you do have a record shot of it to gloat over on the days where all you get is a woodpidgeon in your garden..

My pair of black caps are still visiting daily..

WTG

Peter

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Stomperone

Looks like a female chaffinch to me Doug....

It may not be "wildlife on one" standards but you do have a record shot of it to gloat over on the days where all you get is a woodpidgeon in your garden..

My pair of black caps are still visiting daily..

WTG

Peter

Cheers Kayleigh and Peter!
Oh howww I wiiiisssh it WAS a female Chaffinch!
No. Really.

Doug

[paulchandler6]

Originally Posted by The Black Rabbit

ps.
On the subject of overwintering warblers.... anyone know if there is a decent population of overwintering Willow Warblers (as well as Chiffchaffs?)

Willow Warblers are extremely rare wintering in the UK.
Not sure if there are any current records.

Paul

[JeffH]

That's a nice sighting for this time of year Doug and the mystery and suspense of your build-up had me on the edge of my seat

Good Luck in getting a better photo.

Jeff

[Mr Mag00]

sorry to be an ignoramus, why is this such a big deal is it rare? I didnt think chaffinches were or are?

can someone shed some light on this for a non birder

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Mr Mag00

sorry to be an ignoramus, why is this such a big deal is it rare? I didnt think chaffinches were or are?

can someone shed some light on this for a non birder

OK - it's not a Chaffinch but a Chiffchaff. They're usually summer visitors but a few birds over winter here

Jeff

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Mr Mag00

sorry to be an ignoramus, why is this such a big deal is it rare? I didnt think chaffinches were or are?

can someone shed some light on this for a non birder

Er.... It's a Chiffchaff. Not a Chaffinch.
And (speaking for myself, you understand) I've never seen an overwintering Chiffchaff in the garden before.
Thats all.
Next time I hope its a Golden Oriole or something eh?!

Doug

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by JeffH

That's a nice sighting for this time of year Doug and the mystery and suspense of your build-up had me on the edge of my seat

Good Luck in getting a better photo.

Jeff

Cheers Jeff.
I'll try my best.
Its a sneaky little thing though.
Completely silent n all....

Doug