Southern England - bird by water edge of pond (1 Viewer)

jivelady said:

Hi Guys

Went to Frensham ponds today. Saw a small bird about warbler size. Pale buff colour on its belly, more brown/greenish tint on its wings. Beak warblerish type. Flitting about on thin twiggy branches hanging out over the water.Flying out briefly and seemingly catching small insects on the wing. Also flitting around right down to water edge looking for food. There was a pair and both were staying very close to water surface. Possibly took something off water surface also. Am baffled to possible identity cos of where it was looking for food. Didn't take my spotter today.......DOH !! Any ideas ? Ponds are surrounded by woodland.Was constantly moving about. flying from branch to branch then going down to the ground and walking along water edge poking about in roots going ito the water.

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Brian2 said:

Sound like Chiffchaff from your description

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jivelady said:

Thanks Brian. Had heard chiffchaff at other end of pond but hadn't managed to find them. Was just suprised to see them right by the edge of the water. Didn't know that they would be beside the water like that or would skim something so close to the water surface.

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KenM said:

Just back from Eurodisney....CC flycatching from almost every protruding stone and branch overhanging the many water features.

That's what they do. :t:

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skatebirder said:

In the last few weeks, almost all the Chiffchaffs here have been feeding on or near the ground - it's just too cold for any insects to be in the trees I suppose. It does seem odd to watch a "flock" of a dozen Chiffchaffs feeding in a muddy puddle, but that's what it has been like. Pity the poor Swallows and Martins, looking for flying insects.
David

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stevieb said:

Had a Willow Warbler hopping around the lawn, yesterday afternoon, chasing insects. Made me look twice before I got the 'bins out!

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