Whitethroat, Scotland (1 Viewer)

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

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• Aug 3, 2016

• #1

Goodness! I thought this was a Greater Whitethroat, but it has been suggested it is a Lesser Whitethroat.

If it is, it would be a most unexpected Lifer for me. Is it possible to confirm.

I do have some more pictures at different angles, but they are badly backlit, I could try and lighten some if you want to see them.

http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/562847/ppuser/18346

 

Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

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• Aug 3, 2016

• #2

More pictures would be useful, although I tend to think it's a Common Whitethroat from what can be seen.

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

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• Aug 3, 2016

• #3

Thanks Andrew.

Do these help? Not very good at backlit shots and post processing. Sorry.

 

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Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

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• Aug 3, 2016

• #4

I get the impression of pale, yellowish legs, though it's hard to be sure with the lighting. Given the lighting I don't see any good reason to think it's anything other than a Common Whitethroat, which would be vastly commoner in that area too.

 

MTem

Well-known member

• Aug 3, 2016

• #5

I agree with Andrew, although the photo isn't ideal being backlit as you say, I also get the impression of pale legs and rufous coverts. Common for me.

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

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• Aug 3, 2016

• #6

Thanks very much for your time Andrew.

Mixed feelings... glad I was right, but sorry I don't get a Lifer LOL.

 

R

Rotherbirder

Well-known member

• Aug 3, 2016

• #7

Common for me too. Behaviour goes against Lesser too, which usually sings from cover whereas Common Whitethroat is more demonstrative and prefers more prominent songposts, as in your bird.

RB

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

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• Aug 3, 2016

• #8

Thanks, too, Mick and RB.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Aug 3, 2016

• #9

Another ditto to Common - the pic is very blue-cast, which makes the rusty wings less obvious and apparently grey than they would normally appear.

 

D

davercox

Dave Cox

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• Aug 4, 2016

• #10

Do you remember what its song sounded like, Delia ? The two have very different songs as I'm sure you know.

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

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• Aug 4, 2016

• #11

Cheers Michael.

The strange thing is, Dave, although it looks like he was singing, I don't remember hearing it at all (it was quite windy that day). But I would have known the Great's song having heard it quite a few times. But at that time I wouldn't have known the difference from the Lesser's.

I was pretty sure it was Great, up to the time someone in the Gallery suggested it might not be, so thought I'd better check with you guys.