black redstart

gregA · #1 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 04:50 PM

Hi all need some help to id a bird if possible.
i had to go to bradwell power station to work today and on my way out and saw a bird about the size of a robin maybe smaller. it had a light chest with a darker back but couldn,t make out exact colours as sun was in my eyes. while was i moving round for a better look it flew off. the bird was on top of a lamp post and the nearest call/song i can find on the rspb site is a black redstart. Is it likely to be a black redstart or is there anything with a similar sound i can listen to. Bradwell power station is on the essex coast.
cheers for any help gregA

htcdude · #2 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 05:09 PM

Sounds like it could be from your description and if you say the song was similar to teh RSPB one, and being on the east coast it's likely you are correct

Nige

RoyW · #3 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 05:26 PM

It is certainly possible that you saw a Black Redstart, but I don't think that there is enough detail in your description to be certain.

In partcular, this part of your description:

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregA

it had a light chest with a darker back

doesn't really fit well with a male Black Redstart.
If it was singing then it would have been a male, and males will tend to have a darker throat and breast than upperparts (black throat and breast, greyer upperparts).