Which warbler please?

ChrissyMarie · #1 (**permalink**) 24-04-2011, 08:37 PM

Sorry I feel like I sound like a record with my requests!
But, this one is not a Chiffchaff for sure. The song was very pretty and always ended on the same two notes. I have been on RSPB and none of the recorded sounds, sound like it....

I was going to go for Willow Warbler but this one sounded entirely wrong although it does look like one!!

Deb London · #2 (**permalink**) 24-04-2011, 09:09 PM

"The upper ear coverts can be quiet dark on WW but the lower ones are usually paler showing at times a clear demarcation between upper and lower ear coverts."

If I understand this correctly, this bird looks like a Willow Warbler from that description, as as far as I'm concerned, this demarcation stands out.

Having said that, I really wouldn't like to say. But I was listening to some Willow Warblers on a common yesterday, and I really thought they sounded different too.

ChrissyMarie · #3 (**permalink**) 24-04-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb London

"

If I understand this correctly, this bird looks like a Willow Warbler from that description, as as far as I'm concerned, this demarcation stands out.

Having said that, I really wouldn't like to say. But I was listening to some Willow Warblers on a common yesterday, and I really thought they sounded different too.

Thanks for the feedback Deb. I was up in the Shropshire Hills. but, there is small patch away from the heather/bracken/wimberry bushes with trees. It is well known locally that a variety of things turn up....
I am really going to have to listen to some more birdsong ...... but, I heard two different ones today on that pacth. Both were Warblers but, both were different! I think I am going to have to get myself a DVD sounds thingy or find one of my local freindly birders to give me some pointers

Adam Cheeseman · #4 (**permalink**) 25-04-2011, 08:45 AM

Willow Warbler for me too.

Cheers,

Adam

Deb London · #5 (**permalink**) 25-04-2011, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrissyMarie

Thanks for the feedback Deb. I was up in the Shropshire Hills. but, there is small patch away from the heather/bracken/wimberry bushes with trees. It is well known locally that a variety of things turn up....
I am really going to have to listen to some more birdsong ...... but, I heard two different ones today on that pacth. Both were Warblers but, both were different! I think I am going to have to get myself a DVD sounds thingy or find one of my local freindly birders to give me some pointers

One tool I use constantly, almost as much as I use WAB, is this:

xeno-canto/Europe :: bird sounds from Europe

HTH

Guinnessman1974 · #6 (**permalink**) 25-04-2011, 09:50 AM

Willow Warbler, I agree

ChrisJB · #7 (**permalink**) 25-04-2011, 03:45 PM

Remember that willow warblers (and chiffchaffs) will often use their respective contact calls as well, so if you see them doing it it may cause a morsel of confusion if you are only used to their songs. Although I have to say, this bird looks like it's belting it's song out with great gusto. The contact calls to me are more often used later in the summer as the song declines.

Chris

ChrissyMarie · #8 (**permalink**) 26-04-2011, 08:29 AM

Thank you all very much. Now the next thing I need to do is get up there and take some photo's of the Whitethroats that are up there too! Thanks Deb for the link

Whilst birdsong is a steep learning curve, it is so helpful. I had been playing a Willow warbler over and over and both me and my better half recognised one yesterday from the sound before we saw it :-)