Hello! I’m new here, and I didn’t know which forum to put this in. But I saw a bird in Tesco today, and was flummoxed by what it could be. It was like a robin but grey and black. Googling it suggests that it could be a black redstart, but I’m in the Midlands and they don’t seem to be found here? Any other ideas? sorry for the awful photos!
Ciera
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
First, welcome to the forum, also from the 'currently and seemingly ongoing dismal dark grey' West Midlands.
My first thoughts were dunnock as well, particularly noting your remark "It was like a robin but grey and black." Dunnocks are of a similar though slightly smaller size to a robin, quite a common bird and resident all year round.
Trying to ID any species on the internet can and often is fraught with numerous possibilities. Probably the best idea is to get a decent book for identifying species, but even then, that can sometimes be challenging.
If the following is of any help, the books mentioned are worth a look at.
All books have clear pictures
RSPB Handbook of British Birds
https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/bird-reference-books/rspb-handbook-of-british-birds-4th-edition.html?ClickType=Image&ListType=&ListName=&Position=33
RSPB Pocket Nature Wildlife of Britain
https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9781405328609-rspb-pocket-nature-wildlife-of-britain/
This second book is a little unique (and often my first go to book), in that it will list more than one page for many species in the index. This is because many can be similar to others, and enables you to make an informed choice.
RSPB British Birdfinder
https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/bird-reference-books/rspb-british-birdfinder.html?ClickType=Image&ListType=&ListName=&Position=33
Collins Complete Guide - British Wildlife
https://collins.co.uk/products/9780007236831
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler