We've just seen a chough in our garden in Haslemere. We've not seen one before here in 16 years. Do we assume they are rare around here ?
I can't remember where it was but I have definitely seen choughs in a zoo or bird park somewhere. It may have been the highland wildlife park near Aviemore. Obviously not near Surrey but it does show they are kept in captivity.
Cheers
Stoat
I'm not bald. I've just got ingrowing hair!
Yes so I've discovered Stoat! I obviously don't get out enough! LOL
Jenni
God gave us two ears and one mouth for a very good reason!
We have a breeding programme at the zoo here as well. It is hoped that they can be reintroduced to the North coast of the Island.
Caroline in Jersey
Cin J
It took slightly longer than hoped but our chough has been about again this morning and I've managed to get some photos. Not much of a zoom but hopefully it will be enough to confirm whether it's a chough or whether we have egg on our faces !! Will try and work out how to upload a photo to this site.
Thanks doggie for the advice on posting photos. Another one attached to this post which shows it is ringed.
That's a Chough alright - remarkable!
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Hi Anita, so it is a chough after all!!! That is an interesting bird to find in Surrey, i'm thinking escapee, it appears to have a single silver band on its leg, no sign of colour rings. Great picture and thanks for sharing!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Dead choughed and well done
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
That's amazing, Anita. You were absolutely right, it's undoubtedly a Chough. Sorry if we were sceptical but a Chough in Surrey is a very rare occurrence. The next thing is to find out where it came from. Are there any places in your area where birds might be kept?
I've rotated the picture. I was getting a crick in my neck. LOL
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Hi Mods
Do you think Anita should report this sighting to the Surrey county bird recorder?
There was one obvious place which is Birdworld in Farnham. But I've checked with them and they said they weren't missing theirs. He (she ?!) seems incredibly happy and not very timid. I had to drive within 4-5 ft of it to get out earlier. Still outside the front of the house now, and has been all morning, pecking at moss. A very untidy eater !!