Help with ID

[Kernuak]

I'm having some problems identifying this bird and was wondering if someone could help please. It was seen on Shapwick Heath in Somerset, perching on the ground and low perches. There were some redwings nearby. The image is heavily cropped, so low quality, but I think there are enough features for an ID.

[Jason Green]

Hi Kernuak, and welcome to WAB!

It looks like a Stonechat to me.

Take care,

Jason

[Dogghound]

Yes female stonechat.

[Gaza]

Agreed, Stonechat
Good photo too

[Kernuak]

Thanks for the welcome and the quick reponses. I can see it now, when I compare it to the tiny picture in my book. I was struggling to find a decent picture of female most things (I was looking more at whinchats, but it wasn't right). I wasn't expecting a stonechat, but the weather has probably brought it in. If I can get back with the weather, I'll try to get a better shot, it's not as sharp as I'd like and a bit distant (across the drain). There was one around near one of the bridges yesterday, so I might be able to get closer eventually.

[Dogghound]

These birds are largely resident although there is some movement to coastal regions and some European birds do come over. We have a nice breeding population around here.

[Foz]

Yep, nice stonechat!

[Kernuak]

Thanks for the info about the European birds. Most of the Stonechats around here are up on Exmoor during the summer months, but with the weather being so cold, it's probably pretty inclement for them up there at the moment. I'm not sure how the Dartford warbler population on Exmoor will be doing, as I know from winters back in the late 80's and early 90's, they didn't fair very well when it was cold. I still remember the heathland of Dorset and Hampshire being the last bastion for Dartford Warblers back then.