Falmouth, Cornwall, UK - ID Assistance Please. (1 Viewer)

[Dave Derrick]

Photo's taken 15th August 2021 near reservoir just outside Falmouth. I accept photo's not too clear on various salient points, but any help much appreciated with ID. Many thanks, Dave.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Dave,
mid August in Cornwall and a strange looking bird. If its a rare bird, than I am out, but: why not a strange/ill loooking Willow Warbler?
Bill is too spikey and slender based for an Hippolais warbler, its also no Accrocephalus warbler with a notched, narrow tail and this bill.
Eyes seems closed due to an ill bird, hence the unusual look and I assume the unusual head pattern (moulting issue?). But its a long looking warbler with pale legs.
Happy to be corrected as allways, but I am in the Willow Warbler camp for this one.

 

[Andy Adcock]

Hello Dave,
mid August in Cornwall and a strange looking bird. If its a rare bird, than I am out, but: why not a strange/ill loooking Willow Warbler?
Bill is too spikey and slender based for an Hippolais warbler, its also no Accrocephalus warbler with a notched, narrow tail and this bill.
Eyes seems closed due to an ill bird, hence the unusual look and I assume the unusual head pattern (moulting issue?). But its a long looking warbler with pale legs.
Happy to be corrected as allways, but I am in the Willow Warbler camp for this one.

Definitely ill.

 

[Dave Derrick]

Hello Dave,
mid August in Cornwall and a strange looking bird. If its a rare bird, than I am out, but: why not a strange/ill loooking Willow Warbler?
Bill is too spikey and slender based for an Hippolais warbler, its also no Accrocephalus warbler with a notched, narrow tail and this bill.
Eyes seems closed due to an ill bird, hence the unusual look and I assume the unusual head pattern (moulting issue?). But its a long looking warbler with pale legs.
Happy to be corrected as allways, but I am in the Willow Warbler camp for this one.

Alexander, many thanks. Very helpful comments. Dave.