Female Blackcap... I think?

sweedie · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2012, 01:27 PM

Hello there, ID Help Please (again)

I spotted a new visitor in my garden yesterday, I dont really see a great variety of species so this was a treat, after a quick bit of research I am guessing that this may be a female Blackcap?

It seems to have stuck around as everytime I have looked through the window today it has been there, I have also noticed that the local Robin doesn't seem to impressed, it has been giving chase every so often!

htcdude · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2012, 01:46 PM

Correct! It is a female Blackcap

Nige

RaptorMan101 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2012, 02:34 PM

As already said definately a female blackcap! Lovely bird IMO, I have 2 males wintering in my garden and the neighbouring few gardens. They feed on the apples, sultanas and raisans I put out for it

also they adore suet, especially berried flavour suet blocks!

Jim

rossy · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2012, 03:11 PM

yes you have a female blackcap. nice. rossy.

sweedie · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2012, 12:55 AM

Fantastic, thanks to all of you for the confirmation, really is a lovely little bird, hope she stays!

Oh and thank you for the tips on feeding preferences, in fact now that you mention it (Jim) I put out some berry suet block for the first time and within the first 15mins there she was.. so i guess it's worth trying new things to see what turns up!

I am also wondering if I am seeing two separate birds one looks a little bit rounder and fluffier, I have added another photo to compare... if anyone can shed any light or prehaps just tell me i am seeing things

would appreciate it lol

thanks again!
Lisa

Shrike · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2012, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweedie

I am also wondering if I am seeing two separate birds one looks a little bit rounder and fluffier, I have added another photo to compare... if anyone can shed any light or prehaps just tell me i am seeing things

would appreciate it lol

thanks again!
Lisa

Hi Lisa , your second bird is well more into her breeding plumage ,the first will look the same by spring i think.
Terry

billybirder · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2012, 05:29 AM

I had a couple of pairs of blackcap in my garden in the summer, but none so far this winter. My guests are also preferring the berry suet, choosing it over peanut or mealworm flavoured!

sweedie · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2012, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrike

Hi Lisa , your second bird is well more into her breeding plumage ,the first will look the same by spring i think.
Terry

Thanks for the info, I knew i could see a difference, I just didn't see the two at the same time lol started to question myself after a while!

I would love to see a male Blackcap, i will have to keep on the lookout

Bit disappointed today, no sighting of the Blackcap(s)

prehaps the constant bombardment of starling put them off !
Does anyone know if Robins can drive away other species of the same size or smaller?

bryony · #9 (**permalink**) 10-02-2012, 08:49 AM

I had a pair of blackcaps (male and female) come into my last garden a couple of times .. they were mixed in with a flock of tits, which included various tits plus some kind of warbler I think (not very good at identifying those due to lack of markings!). Fingers crossed sometime I might see them in my new garden, because I often get those 'mixed' flocks of tits coming in, mainly to feed on the big birch tree just outside my bedroom window

Janec · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2012, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweedie

Does anyone know if Robins can drive away other species of the same size or smaller?

I have a robin that seems to have a problem with dunnocks at the moment.
He chases off every dunnock that lands on the bird table. He did think about having a go at a wood pigeon the other day but thought better of it