Hi everyone,
new to this so please bear with me :)
Today I saw what I thought at first glance was a Robin. On my second glance I noticed it was about the size of a Thrush, only it had a red throat/chest and NOT a red face too like a Robin.
I have hunted all over the net and am now toying with the idea that it's either a red-throated thrush
(which is a rare visitor to Britain - I live in Kent) or a very odd robin/thrush type hybrid of some description.
Everytime I spot it I try to get a mental image in my head, (it's usually foraging on the ground near long grass by my kitchen window and then disappears back into my very overgrown apple tree) I grab my camera and it's gone again lol
I'm really hoping to get a photo soon, and will post it if I do.
I should also mention that it's back, wings and tail are what I can only describe as the same colour as a female sparrow, and under the red chesty bit it's white, hence I first mistook it for a robin. He also has what I can try and describe as a white line on edge of the wings (the bit of the wing that sits and rests on his belly - I'll call it an elbow for want of a better term lol)
I'll keep you posted, but if you have any ideas meantime please feel free to chip in :)
Many thanks
Ali.
Good things come to those who wait :0)
Hi,
aiki said: If we're talking uber-rare thrushes, there are more UK records of American Robin than of Red-throated Thrush and the description sounds just as good for this species (also, American Robins do have a habit of showing up in gardens!). However, it too is still an extremely rare vagrant to the UK. It's all academic without a photo or a really detailed sketch/description... so I hope you see the mystery bird again soon :)
If we're talking uber-rare thrushes, there are more UK records of American Robin than of Red-throated Thrush and the description sounds just as good for this species (also, American Robins do have a habit of showing up in gardens!). However, it too is still an extremely rare vagrant to the UK. It's all academic without a photo or a really detailed sketch/description... so I hope you see the mystery bird again soon :)
The time of the year is wrong for a wild Red throated thrush, but an escape is always possible- aviculturalists seem to have almost everything in a cage somewhere :)
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Wrong time of year for a Redwing too isn't it, S? Or is there a slim chance of one showing up?
Unknown said: Wrong time of year for a Redwing too isn't it, S? Or is there a slim chance of one showing up?
its too early really for a redwing down south and that wouldnt explain the reddish breast- I'll await a photo :)
seymouraves said: Hi, its too early really for a redwing down south and that wouldnt explain the reddish breast- I'll await a photo :) S
Just eliminating another one :o)
I'm curious on this one!
Aye
This could be intresting :D
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
Hi Ali
This thread is getting more interesting here by the hour and I will love to see the results with what you find
Please get that camera out as I would love to see that mystery bird of yours now {big smile}
Waiting in anticipation here
Regards
Kathy and Dave
oh my gosh, I hope the bird reappears tomorrow. I don't want to let you down by not having anyphotographic evidence of what I saw.
I should perhaps have described the bird without letting you know what species I thought it might be ;-)
I sincerely hope I can get some good pics for you and for me.
Promise to update you all as soon as I see it again and will try my utmost to photograph it.
All the best
seymouraves said: Hi, If we're talking uber-rare thrushes, there are more UK records of American Robin than of Red-throated Thrush and the description sounds just as good for this species (also, American Robins do have a habit of showing up in gardens!). However, it too is still an extremely rare vagrant to the UK. It's all academic without a photo or a really detailed sketch/description... so I hope you see the mystery bird again soon :)
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Yes, autumn/winter would be the right time for a wild one... I missed the Naze bird in October 1994 by a day :(
Another possibility I suppose is a common thrush sp (eg Blackbird) with a pigment abnormality. What do you guys make of this bird from February? http://www.islingtongardeners.org.uk/ Scroll down to 18/02. I think this one could be an aberrant Blackbird - the red-brown looks too extensive for RT Thrush.
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
Luckily he's still around today! So far I have managed to get just two pics of the bird :
I have no idea what he is so please let me know your thoughts :)
phillnali said: Hi everyone, Luckily he's still around today! So far I have managed to get just two pics of the bird : I have no idea what he is so please let me know your thoughts :)
this is a young robin moulting into adult plumage :)