Monday, August 16, 2010

Yikes! Its a ...

Looks good for...Sykes.?

Another two visits today to see our stray warbler at Hadston Links added a little bit more to my knowledge. Whilst my RBA pager has confidently mega alerted not one but 2 Sykes Warblers in two days, I'm not sure how they do it.

To simplify things, this bird shows several pro-Sykes's features - long bill, pale colouring, plain wing, long tail. The only thing stopping it is that most features of Sykes's overlap with Booted. But. This bird hasn't got any pro-Booted features, such as Phyllosc like appearance, flared supercillium, shortish bill, no this bird was reminiscent of Blyth's Reed Warblers, particularly around the head.

Today the big guns toting 500mm lenses were out in force so hopefully the images wil solve this riddle, but I think the best way would be to trap it...

Back to reality, some good moths over the weekend at home, despite the cold weather -

Acleris forsskaleana
Butterbur ( with Rosy Rustic left for comparison)
Olive
First VC68 record since 1899!
Grey Chi
Mouse Moth

Garden Moth year list now stands at 284. 

6 comments:

Ghost of Stringer said...

Are you getting swayed then Stewart ?!

We all remarked on the blyth's reed head look too.... I think it's the long bill and stunted super ending just behind the eye.

I thought it was highly likely a Sykes yesterday, but today I read an article that demonstrated how difficult it can be.

Trapping it would be interesting.

I think if you pushed me into making a choice, I'd stay on the Sykes side of the fence.

Wilma said...

I think life is more interesting with a little mystery. ;-)

John Malloy said...

Beautiful notes Stewart.
The bird looks very similar to the northern isles individual, but it will be interesting to see how the CRC/BBRC judge.

DorsetDipper said...

lovely notes Stewart.

What make of notebook do you use?

Stewart said...

DD - Moleskine 8" x 5". The best. Pity my hand writing isnt worthy!

DorsetDipper said...

thanks Stewart. Am familiar with the books. Your notes are great, and give a real flavour of being there watching the birds - I'd like to see more of them if possible