Unusual bird - Colchester U.K. (3 Viewers)

[Mynameisme]

Hi!
Today whilst out and about being a postman I noticed a lot of squwarking/chirping coming from a tree and then one bird took flight to a nearby house. I’ve never seen such a bird before, at first I thought it was a Jay but it seemed to have a crest on its head. I tried to take a photo but had too much in my hands already and it flew off shortly after. So, if anyone might know what it could have been, that’s would be great

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Like this? If there was a large amount of noise, it is probably that the Jay was mobbing something within the tree, which would also explain the raised crest (generally when agitated).
Hope this helps!

 

[Harrybongo]

Hi!
Today whilst out and about being a postman I noticed a lot of squwarking/chirping coming from a tree and then one bird took flight to a nearby house. I’ve never seen such a bird before, at first I thought it was a Jay but it seemed to have a crest on its head. I tried to take a photo but had too much in my hands already and it flew off shortly after. So, if anyone might know what it could have been, that’s would be great

Hi. It maybe a Waxwing? Mostly buff brown, with a bit of black and white on the wings, which, a Jay has, it's nearly half the size of a Jay, though, it's around 18cm.

 

[Prestdj]

Hi. It maybe a Waxwing? Mostly buff brown, with a bit of black and white on the wings, which, a Jay has, it's nearly half the size of a Jay, though, it's around 18cm.

do waxwings squark ? nope

 

[Harrybongo]

do waxwings squark ? nope

Point taken. It might not squark, but it has similar colours, you don't see many of them (as mentioned), and it sure does have a crest!

 

[Mynameisme]

Thanks for your replies. It sure did have a similar perched appearance to a Jay but I’m pretty sure it was about the same size and perhaps the squwarking was coming from the commotion in the tree it came from. In any case, I’ve looked through my photos and I did catch a really poor picture of it in flight. Hopefully you can zoom in

 

[Mynameisme]

I did think Hoopoe, initially, but thought ‘nah, couldn’t have been’

 

[Mike Earp]

Thanks for your replies. It sure did have a similar perched appearance to a Jay but I’m pretty sure it was about the same size and perhaps the squwarking was coming from the commotion in the tree it came from. In any case, I’ve looked through my photos and I did catch a really poor picture of it in flight. Hopefully you can zoom in

Flying bird is surely a Jay. Which is not surprising if it had

a similar perched appearance to a Jay

and you are

pretty sure it was about the same size

 

[Harrybongo]

Flying bird is surely a Jay. Which is not surprising if it had

and you are

Hi. Enjoyable thread! Just one last point, in the picture, the bill looks slightly curved?

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[Mike Earp]

Hi. Enjoyable thread! Just one last point, in the picture, the bill looks slightly curved?

Too few pixels to tell but clearly not long and thin like a Hoopoe, if that's what you are suggesting ...

 

[Harrybongo]

Too few pixels to tell but clearly not long and thin like a Hoopoe, if that's what you are suggesting ...

Hi. Yeah, agree not a hoopoe, but quite long and curved!... Unusual for a Jay?

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

yes I see what can be seen as a long and curved bill too. But I agree with Mike, this can easily explained by picture quality and sharpening artefacts. Please note evident=strong blued rim and whitish sharpening halo around the bird.

No offense you know, just to explain the appearant unusual bill shape for this Jay (yes, its this species for me too)

 

[Harrybongo]

Hello,

yes I see what can be seen as a long and curved bill too. But I agree with Mike, this can easily explained by picture quality and sharpening artefacts. Please note evident=strong blued rim and whitish sharpening halo around the bird.

No offense you know, just to explain the appearant unusual bill shape for this Jay (yes, its this species for me too)

I'm learning all the time, Alexander! 👍 😁

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

I'm learning all the time, Alexander! 👍 😁

Me too!