We were walking in the edge of woodland adjacent to wide open fields. Normally see Buzzards circling there but not yesterday (too wet & windy). I nearly fell in the mud & my other half & the kids were hysterical. Then due to all of the noise a blackbird and another similar sized bird flew off. It was brown flecked on the upper body whith a bright yellow underside as it tilted, flew really quickly into dense undergrowth. The yellow patch was quite large enough to make me notice it.
I'm not really up on the more unusual birds as I don't really get to go out into the countryside much. I only know the more common garden birds. Just wondering what it could be.
Hard to say, but sometimes Mistle/Song Thrush can appear yellowish under and to sides. depending on how the light catches them.
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
It was a bright yellow McHale, like on the pics of Buzzards wagtail. But it was Thrush sort of size so maybe it could have been.
I once chased a group of Mistle Thrush trying to get the picture, thinking it was a group of some overseas visitor. They showed yellow too, they generally make a lot of noise when disturbed. If quiet it would more likely be Song Thrush. hope this is of some help.
John :-)
Thankyou John, it was quiet, the blackbird protested at the noise though, as if to say "Do be quiet please silly family walking in the woods"
Song thrush it must have been then.
The only other viable candidate for this sighting I think would have to be the Green woodpecker. They are commonly found in areas of open deciduous and mixed woodland, mature farmland with pasture and trees, parklands and commons and in large gardens. They are often mistaken for golden orioles as they do have greenish/yellowish plumage above and yellow in the rump.
Or
Grey wagtail which have a very similar appearance to yellow wagtails (except much longer tail) and is certainly much closer to the size of a thrush! Brilliant yellows and the head and back is lead grey. Also the male has a black bib below the beak. Within Britain they are mostly resident - often moving into lowland areas during the winter months and can often be seen coming into gardens to feed. Also, winter migrants do come in from Northern Europe (Scandinavia and the mainland Continent).
THIS COULD HAVE BEEN THE FEMALE BLACK BIRD WITH SLIGHT LEUCISM