[Surrey Sam]

Hi everyone, yesterday I was experimenting with my new camera's HD video facility as I'd never tried it before.

So I staked out my trusty bird bath for some suitable subjects and after 5 hours of waiting I managed 14 minutes of non-stop action. But amidst all of my regular garden visitors there was a timid bird which at first appearance I thought to be a Chiffchaff but made a point to look up when finished. Upon consultation with my reference material I've found myself confused with a definitive ID, I’m very much a beginner and wouldn't know where to really start?

I'm leaning towards a Wood Warbler as I have heard the spinning coin type of call, but never realised it was a Warbler vocalisation. The trouble is that the rarity of this bird has me doubting my own ID, so would like to offer it out to the community to discuss.

You may wish to fast forward to about 9minutes 40sec where it will soon appear, the bird in question flits in and out of view a number of times to the end of the video. In the second video it's the first to appear and is only seen in the first 20 seconds. I have recorded and then uploaded in full 1080 HD, so you can select that option and full screen the video to gain a clearer view if that helps.

The location it was recorded is Surrey, South East England.

1. Video 1 link - http://youtu.be/V9MuOqTI83U?hd=1&t=9m
   
2. Video 2 link - http://youtu.be/ep9VSqH2glo?hd=1

All help and comments appreciated.

Regards
Sam

[Simon Wates]

I think its a nice fresh juv. Willow Warbler - in the one spot (11.22) I could see the primary projection clearly, its long but too short for Wood Warbler

OH! and welcome!

[Surrey Sam]

Thanks Simon,

I thought about it possibly being a Willow Warbler but the aspect that made me lean towards it being a Wood Warbler was the clearly defined two tone plumage to the breast.

Do Willow Warblers exhibit that trait?

[Laruslister]

Yes..It certainly makes you look twice particularly with the strong supercilium as well as the two-tone breast,and yes occasionally Willow Warbler look very white on the lower breast.
It doesn't have an obvious yellow-green wing panel and yellow-green ear coverts(Willow Warbler brownish).The legs would normally be pale yellowish in Wood Warbler,as opposed to fleshy(sometimes dark)on Willow Warbler.
A Wood Warbler,though slim would structurally look heftier than this,and bigger than blue tit,whereas Wilow Warbler is the same size as Blue Tit.

[Simon Wates]

Originally Posted by Surrey Sam

Thanks Simon,

I thought about it possibly being a Willow Warbler but the aspect that made me lean towards it being a Wood Warbler was the clearly defined two tone plumage to the breast.

Do Willow Warblers exhibit that trait?

Juv. Willow Warblers are usually quite bright and with yellow or yellowish underparts of variable extension. I've seen quite a few that do make me look twice but really, when you see a Wood Warbler reasonably well you just know it is - as with quite a few species that seem tough before you see the real thing.

[phil baber]

Yes. A juv WW. Lovely footage!

And a warm welcome to Bird Forum!

[Andy Hurley]

Hi Sam,
welcome to BF!
I agree with young Willow. Wood Warblers are larger and the white is striking, almost like in the washing powder commercials, if you know what I mean.

[Surrey Sam]

Many thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

It's much appreciated that you've all taken the time to comment and point out the differences to me. Lots to learn and I'm sure that I will have more questions and wrong ID's.

Regards
Sam

[KenM]

Sam....here's some Wood Warbler shots. The short tail..long UTC's/and wings are structurally diagnostic (unique amongst Phylloscs.). A stunning example of Imm.Willow Warbler by the way! cheers