Warbler, UK, November?

AshLee · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 04:57 PM

I got a reasonable look at, and a rubbish shot of, the following bird at Tyttenhanger (Herts) this afternoon:

Looking very much like a Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff (if it had been summer I would have been very confident it was one of these) I was wondering if anyone can tell me the likelihood that my ID is correct. Any information about aberrant overwintering habits of either of these species would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance folks,

Ash

Jason Claxton · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 05:01 PM

There are many wintering Chiffchaff near me Ashlee,I saw 3 yesterday together .

AshLee · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 05:14 PM

Thanks for the reply Jason!

(And oops, it should read December, sorry).

Jason Claxton · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 05:16 PM

Although I cannot be 100% certain from your pic,it is very likely to be a Chiffchaff Ashlee, they frequently winter near me.

aeshna5 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 05:17 PM

Yes, wintering Chiffchaff are fairly common, especially near water, whereas an overwintering Willow Warbler is extremely rare.

AshLee · #6 (**permalink**) 01-12-2009, 05:23 PM

Thanks aeshna5. Interesting that you should say common. Because when I first saw the bird, you could have knocked me down with one of its feathers. I thought I was witnessing something astonishing