Lesser Whitethroat NEast London (3 Viewers)

[KenM]

Found this very late LW at 9am this morning, initially atop the garden conifer.
Although the lighting was less than optimum, I was struck by it’s “almost” dusky upperparts and in particular the “brown” tints to the crown and nape.

I believe this to be a feature of “Eastern” Lesser Whitethroat, although as a “stand alone,” it probably would require good images of the outer tail feathers for further meaningful support?
Unless of course the criteria has changed, in the interim I’ll be making sure that the fatball feeder doesn’t ever run out.

Cheers

 

[Steve Lister]

Looks good for blythi ie Siberian Lesser Whitethroat.

 

[KenM]

Looks good for blythi ie Siberian Lesser Whitethroat.

FWIW Steve, I believe “Siberian Lesser Whites” are more regular visitors than people realise, as this bird constitutes the third at least that I’ve had through the “garden conduit” since 2014. Occurring from mid-September through to late October for me so far.
All LW’s IMO are worth scrutinising during this period, indeed my first example 4th October 2014 (got a rubbish shot) was so pale, I initially thought at first glance (with the head obscured) that it was a Desert Warbler!
Herewith image of the last blythi.

Cheers

 

[Steve Lister]

I agree Ken. They seem to be getting commoner too, like tristis Chiffchaffs and Yellow-browed Warblers. Some will get overlooked and many of course end up unproven.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Ken,
I cant add something new to this thread, just wanted to thank you for showing this!