Hello, does anyone know what bird this is please? It was at Fairburn Ings yesterday.
Thanks!
Is it a Reed Bunting?
Any other photos?
No sorry it flew away before I could get any more. It's stretching it's neck here but it looked more like a sparrow when not stretching, it was also the size of a sparrow. Thanks
Male reed bunting. Quite common birds at Fairburn.
ACla said:Is it a Reed Bunting?
If it is a native species, then yes. Distinct lack of white on the head, but could just be the photo quality or it's hidden. I personally wouldn't want to i.d. small birds these days just using one photo that's not ideal quality, and there are huge numbers of released finches etc in the country now. But, realistically, most likely a reed bunting.
The reason it looks odd is because the white moustachial stripe is hidden by one of the metal bars of the feeder, and the extended neck.
Yes it was the fact I couldn't see the white moustache stripe in the photo that made me question it but I now know what to look out for next time. Thanks to both of you for your replies, very helpful!