Yesterday we were at possibly one of my favorite sites and once again it did not disappoint. It was a later start than usual as we were supposed to be there at quarter past seven. We were also doing some more coppicing and habitat management.The day started off slow, however with patience anything can happen...
As we approached the one of the nets we saw something which looked like a Redpoll in the bottom pocket, however as we drew closer we realised what we thought was a Redpoll was actually a Chiffchaff but until we got right up along side it we once again realised it wasn't a local Chiffchaff it was actually a Siberian Chiffchaff, a rarer and much paler race to the common one you would expect to see in your garden or anywhere else like that.
Siberian Chiffchaff
As we moved on from taking that from the net Peter went on to take out some more birds further down the line; whilst I was watching Peter taking a Blue Tit out I saw the net flick and as I turned round to see what it was I found it was another Chiffchaff however this time it was the common one.
Our more usual Chiffchaff
What an opportunity this was to study the differences between these two birds up close. The paler Siberian Chiffchaff is the bird on the left looking at the pictures.
In the photo above the Siberian Chiffchaff is on the left. See how much greener our more usual Chiffchaff is.
When we approach the nets we pass a small ditch like thing and in this particular session every time we passed a female Kingfisher was sitting on a stick across the water. We had a net set up by the ditch which turned out to be successful; just look at the stunning shades of blue on her back and across the wing.
It turned out that this bird was the same bird we caught a couple of weeks ago and it was great to see it again. It had obviously been feeding well around the brackish waters it was a heavy bird weighing over 41 grams.
What an end to a perfect day.
And finally, Danny I hope your practical exam went okay.
Really good blog post Findlay, it is great to see the Siberian and common chiffchaffs together
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the Kingfisher doing ok despite the heavy rain and flooded rivers etc. The Sib' Chiffchaff is a good comparison to the usual Chiffchaff. We get the Sib' around here a bit but recently there has also been a Eastern race Lesser Whitethroat in one lucky birders garden if you go onto northantsbirds.com there's more details and images on there.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the two races of Chiffchaff together like that Findlay, and compare the differences.
ReplyDeleteThe Kingfisher is a beauty. Must be exceptional to be able to get so close to such a beauty of a bird.
those chiffchaffs are just precious! that kingfisher is so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe chiffchaffs are so tiny and sweet! Beautiful colour on that kingfisher.
ReplyDeletePerfect day indeed Findlay. So brilliant to catch both chiffys for comparison like that and then a Kingfisher.
ReplyDeletegreat comparison shots. I got the 2 Sibs at Burton just before Christmas... a lifer too
ReplyDeleteGreat day indeed. Your knowledge is astounding to me...thanks for sharing some of it,
ReplyDeleteGreat observations and a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots showing details not often seen so closely. Beautiful color on the Kingfisher.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and educational post. I really enjoyed the comparison of the Chiffchaffs. Thanks for all the help with the identification of the differences. The blue of the Kingfisher is heavenly. Know you all were thrilled to come upon the same one again.
ReplyDeleteThose little Chiffchaffs...adorable birds and love their name. The Kingfisher, wow that was great timing, beautiful bird~
ReplyDeleteWhat great opportunities you have for helping and photographing! Lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet little birds, the Chiffchaffs. I've never even heard of them before now. Beautiful Kingfisher, too!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT day, Findlay. I think that I'd have been more excited about being that close to a Kingfisher than seeing the Siberian Chiffchaff (even though it would have been a 'lifer' for me.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting and educational post too, although I still don't think that I'd be trying to spot a Sib out in the field!
Keep up the good work! - Richard.