What is this please..?

Not heard that one but are open to correction lol. The bird has both dark legs, feet and beak so i would guess at Chiffchaff, but yes the only way to identify conclusively is by it's distinctive call.

Aah, the joys of "similar species"! Evolution's little joke! I've taken shots myself of Chiffs with quite long supercilliums, so there's certainly a degree of overlap. However, given decent views, I'd always check the "PP" (Vox aside) as the clincher. But, generally, I'd want to satisfy at least two criteria before having a bash.

I thought I had lol; Oh well, she sighs, I guess we all learn lots on here. Still saying it's a Chiffchaff though lol

Oops, sorry Lynettemj,

When I wrote about the PP, I meant generally, not this particular bird. Apologies for being vague. I still haven't commited myself to an answer either way on this one. Initially, I went straight for Chiff, but I must admit I'm well and truly on the fence here. It's strange how different eyes see different things. You see, those legs look pale to me.

I stand to be corrected, like the bloke in the orthapedic shoe.

Why don't they give us smilies?

I have to agree with you Mickey. Had a Chiffchaff visiting the garden since end of January but was told by an experienced person that it absolutely couldn't be as they don't over winter here. It had black legs, was about 10cm in length and flew as if it had been at the Brandy bottle lol. I knew in my heart it was a Chiffchaff and it was confirmed when I heard it sing recently. I do doubt myself now though and tend to sit on the fence too as a result. But, just for you, i'm gonna get off that fence and stick with Chiffchaff lol. I accessed the internet with my kids Wii and was able to zoom right in on the legs, and they look quite dark.

Well Juno?? Have you had a listen to their calls?? I'm itching to know! I would have said chiffchaff but as all the previous posts have said before me, it's hard to say from a photo alone! Great shots by the way! :-)

Hi again lynettemj,

Probably just my eyes.  Strange that your friend was unaware that quite a number do winter in the UK. Stranger still that this thread hasn't attracted more discussion!

http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/recording_year/wintering_warblers.htm

I had read that they do spend winters here now and i was backed up by a birdwatcher but she insisted that it was a Garden Warbler lol. If you go on my page and click on my group Rainham Marshes, in the gallery they have a lovely pic of a Chiffchaff.......or is it lol

Got it. No doubt about that one whatsoever! Bet that shirt goes down well in essex! You don't wear it to go birding do you?

 

Hi,

to me this bird seems good for Chiffchaff;

The primary projection is not overly long, and if you ignore the twig crossing the wing and draw in the wing structure that seems to hold. The eyering looks bold enough for chiff, though I admit the supercilium looks long but not as bright as I'd expect from Willow. The head looks quite rounded too- another chiff pointer. With the back lighting the leg colour is problematic:(  Frankly , looking at it from across the room it looks too dull for a spring Willow and says Chiffchaff to me :) But those legs still  worry me a little....

It's a tough one .

S