bird id help please

[Shrike]

sorry couldnt resist ; )

[Dogghound]

It would be exceptionally red for a standard oenanthe, I know they are much more buff than in spring. This looks quite bold, but I am happy to just leave it as wheatear on the chance its a very dark British/or European bird. Certainly the birds I have been getting here have differed substantially between the two races in that leucorhea has far more red around the underparts compared to oenanthe (as well as other features not seen here). I should have said most likely or in my opinion most likely. Before you say it ...........I know plumage characters alone are not a reliable means to identify these two races, as you can get very dark oenanthe.

[RoyW]

Thanks Dogghound. I would agree that this one could be put down as "showing characteristics of leucorhoa, just not that the race can be confirmed!

[operanut1972]

Hi Guys,

Ok I am a complete n00b. I apologise for jumping the gun.