The WWT Slimbridge (Siberian tristis type) Chiffchaff and further comparison images
On 15 November I discovered a greyish Chiffchaff at the Barclay's Hide near WWT Slimbridge in the company of six other Chiffchaff four of which were the standard and much familiar collybita type. The bird did show very well and could be directly compared to the accompanying birds. The long supercilium that extends beyond the eye was very obvious, the bill, legs and eye all contrast with the rest of the plumage due to the paleness of the bird. I would also say that the legs are in fact blacker also.The underparts were very pale and gave a silky look reminiscent of Dusky Warbler. I also saw a very feint bar in the wing. I saw it again on 23 November in the same place and in the afternoon of the same day saw it in sunshine with James Lees. In overcast conditions the bird was very obvious but even in the sunshine it could be easily picked out. On 25 November James managed to get some more shots of the bird which are featured below as well as images of a bird trapped by James/Martin Cade at the Portland Bird Obs in 2003. The brightness settings have not been used to alter the images. Although I still have not heard it call a number of friends have and all describe the same thing and very different to the familiar Common Chiffchaff notes. I am not going to attempt to describe it here but it is the same type of call as heard when watching other Siberian Chiffchaffs in past years. I have added this posting as a guide to help people to locate the bird in the field, we are happy with our own conclusions and leave you to make your own. Keep on enjoying birds.
M.J.McGill
The WWT Slimbridge bird on 25 November 2006 J.S.Lees
The WWT Slimbridge bird on 25 November 2006 J.S.Lees
And finally another comparison shot of the Portland duo J.S.Lees. This bird arrived on 13 October, the same day (in the space of 2hrs) as a Yellow-browed and Radde's Warbler and Common Rosefinch.
posted by Anser Team at Monday, November 27, 2006
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