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So there I was this afternoon, sipping coffee and standing proudly by my cottage and wildflower border when a small (smaller than a Sparrow and much daintier) bird boldly hopped onto some Ox-Eye daisies and began picking insects off them. I saw immediately that it was one of the Warblers and I was overjoyed - a first to my garden!
However - which one? Warblers confound me at the best of times, so I was hoping some of you bright sparks could solve it for me.
The main points:
Very unafraid - flying boldly into sight, landing on the ground and on fence posts and sometimes no more than a few metres away from my gawping face.
Very busy, constantly flitting through clumps of flowers and did several trips around a Buddleia as it foraged for food. Quite often landed on the ground.
Clean-looking green body. I think it had pale legs, rather than dark. Quite a bold stripe over its eye and a dark line through it. No noticeable yellow on the wings.
On its own, or in the company of immature Blue Tits.
Well, that's my lot. I THINK it may have been a Willow Warbler, but would like confirmation. To hinder you with this, I have supplied a hilariously poor photograph or two, as follows:
It is there! Hanging upside-down.
This one's even worse, but you can see the eye-stripes.
Any takers?
Thanks, Corrie.
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it - Jules Renard
Hi Corriepaw
What a little cutie......... I'm reading "How To Be a Bad Birdwatcher " and discovered how many warblers there are last night, so I'm keeping quiet and enjoying your photo's :)
Look forward to the answer though..............
Jaimie
"out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing there is a field. I will meet you there" Rumi
In reply to Eilid:
Hi C,i look forward to the answer too and know there are several here who will soon tell you.I've never to my knowledge had one in our garden.
An optimist sees the beauty of the complete rose.A pessimist sees only the thorn .
In reply to Sheena:
Hi,
the photos aint great :) But they aint that bad either- it looks good for a willow warbler :)
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Hi, Eilid - nice to hear from you again.
I've heard about that book, is it any good?
Yeah - Warblers and Wildfowl, birds guaranteed to set my toes curling with angst as I try to identify them.
Corrie x
In reply to seymouraves:
Hello there, Seymour
You're being very kind, the photos are bloody awful! But if you say it's a Willow, that's good enough for me :)
Corrie
Hey Sheena,
The first one I've seen in my garden, too and I was well-pleased. I'm hoping enough people will confirm my thought that it's a willow Warbler.
In reply to Corriepaw:
I love the way you write, the photos are lovely. Notice I waited for one of our experts to supply the identification!
Good to have you back again
Kind regards Jane.
I think it is a willow warbler too - but only from checking my books.
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
In reply to Goldcrest:
{thumbs up} Jef.
Congrats on your new visitor Corrie. What a lovely little thing, and if S says its a willow warbler, then that's what it will be. Glad to see you back on the forum.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
In reply to Sparrow:
Hi Corrie
A willow warbler ........ excellent!
I'm really enjoying the book. He's very funny and knowledgeable with an approach to birdwatching I can relate to..... In fact his writing style and skill is not unlike yours :o)
I downloaded the Twitcher app to my iphone yesterday, so I'm now going to be standing agonising over LBJ's all over the place, (with Millie finding unmentionable things while my back is turned) rather than just in my garden..... curses!
Hope you're getting some time to relax this weekend
Jaimie x