I went for a walk with my six year old son and dog this morning in Townley Hall wood. Plenty of birds singing Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow warblers then something caught my ear. My initial reaction was it was a Chiffchaff singing wrong. On walking further along the pathway that is nearest the river I saw the bird about twenty feet up on a branch. It looked very like a Chiffchaff. I was looking at it from underneath. It had a yellowish vent and yellowish breast close to the wings. It had a very pale white belly and the bird looked very neat.
It started singing and every time I expected it to start "chiff chaffing" it broke out in what I can descibe as a "rat tat tat tat tatatata". It sang numerous times before jumping to another branch and feeding on a grub. It then flew down the slope towards the river but I lost sight. In total I observed for approx 15mins.
Not knowing what the bird was I was home within 20mins and checking out web were I looked for similar birds and the first one was Iberian chiffchaff. I played its song and it was unmistakeable that was it.
I've played numerous different recordings of the Iberian and I'm sure that is what I heard.
Sorry its only a one man Id (I dont think the six year old or dog would suffice). I still doubt myself but everytime I play a recording I know that is what I saw and heard. Ger.
About 20 plus Little Terns along the tide line at Baltray this afternoon, at least 2 were ringed. At least 5 one legged Oystercatchers hopping around on the beach.?? First time uploading photos here, hope it works. Excuse them as massively cropped.
Matt.
Was out there today from 12.10 to 2.15 and not a sign. I had a recording from the Dutch birding website as this is exactly what I heard. http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/up...100509.iberischetjiftjafzangELiebergSelXC.mp3 The doubting Thomas in me will always say well maybe but all I have to do is play the recording and I'm 100%. Its unfortunate I was the only observer but hopefully it will show itself again. Ger
Ger
What a great find (if it is iberian)but none the less a very brave call that most of us would have shyed away from making.so well done either way and i hope that it is confirmed
Enda
www.cooleywildlifephotography.com