Gold or Fire?

[tWITCH]

Just seen a small bird whilst out walking my dog along a trail. Very hyper little thing about the size of a wren. Green & yellow with white bar on the wing and a white stripe above the eye. I'm can't tell from my books whether it was a Goldcrest or Firecrest. Only saw it's profile. What are the chances it would be a Firecrest at this time of year and as far inland as Nottinghamshire?

[Dogghound]

Your description sounds more like a firecrest "white supercillium", goldcrest dont show this. The location is fine too.

[RKB]

Goldcrest have a plain face with just a black beady eye, Firecrest have a stripey face with a black eyestripe and a white stripe over it. That's the clincher - you'll rarely see the actual gold/firey crest and it's no use for identification as they are both similar (bright yellow and/or orange).

[aeshna5]

Firecrests do seem to be increasing as winter visitors- quite a few have been found in the London area over the last couple of winters. We found one yesterday in the outer boroughs at Ten Acre Wood where it was feeding amongst Dog Rose + showed down to c4 feet.

The stripy face is diagnostic, but it is also a much brighter looking bird compared with the dull olive tones of a Goldcrest.

[faz]

firecrest for me too

[tWITCH]

Thank you folks - my thoughts on it where Firecrest to judging from imagine I've seen. My books threw me as to says they don't come so far inland.

Happy either way as it's a first for me

[thebeard]

can i ask where this was??? i saw a couple at bestwood country park back in febrauary and they are reported now and again on the notts birders website, usually around clumber/rufford park/sherwood.

It might be worth reporting it to them actually, you can post the sighting on this site.
Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers - Submit Sightings

[tWITCH]

On the path to Teversal Trail off Stoneyford Road.

I'll give them a post

[jcyprus]

From your description 100% firecrest , if possible check spot gain and try and take a pic as there fantastic little birds .