Gotcha!

Another day of gale force westerlies today with some nice sunshine.

I thought I would try to get a photo of the Blackcap on my feeders (I'm not starting again...) today and was very suprised to find that it has changed sex! No sign of last weeks male but this female seems more obliging although it wouldnt come near with the window open so this is through closed double glazing again.

Blackcaps are generally aged by ringers on the shape of the tail feathers. Close inspection of this one shows that they are quite pointed at the tips making it a first winter bird. Adults have broader more rounded tips. There is also some contrast between the olive looking unmoulted juvenile greater coverts and the greyer adult inner greater coverts.