btw, i tried posting this message several hours ago, but it didn't appear, so if this happens to turn out to be a duplicate post, please can a moderator delete any one of them. thanks a lot.
A friend took these photos recently on the isle of wight, and asked me what the bird was. I'm an amateur and I don't know, but I know this forum is incredible and has some very knowledgeable members. Thanks a lot for your comments. I appreciate it.