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Unstreaked Acro in London..... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter KenM
- Start date
LowellMills
Is this your Sanderling?
I'm not experienced with the species but would genuinely think Marsh Warbler over Reed looking at those pics.
Bismarck Honeyeater
Barely known member
Is this the bird at Leyton, if so, it looked a lot more pallid in life?
Doesn't look short-primaried or pointy-faced enough for a Blyth's Reed, are you thinking Marsh?
Doesn't look short-primaried or pointy-faced enough for a Blyth's Reed, are you thinking Marsh?
KenM
Well-known member
I agree, in the flesh it appeared somewhat paler to my eye compared to the shots.
I believe there are at best three options on the table:
A worn faded adult A.scirpaceous (Reed Warbler) but, I found this somewhat difficult to reconcile with the taxa, in as much as IMO always showing warm tints to upper and lower parts, to a greater or lesser extent, this bird appeared devoid of such warmth.
Although Marsh Warbler on the face of it appears to be a better fit, and accepting the pale ''uppers'' as being a possible indicator of that species, the ''unders'' did look ''exceptionally'' white to my eye.
However, as fanciful as it may seem, how do we exclude ssp.fuscus from the equation, as I understand it, this ssp is on the German list..to quote Halftwo, emarginations might help, If only to reign in the....''imaginations'' Dunno ?
Bismarck Honeyeater
Barely known member
FWIW I think it's not Blyth's Reed or Marsh but given the poor views wouldn't like to say which spp of Reed it might be. Eurasian must be the most likely though to miming might lend credence to s more Easterly origin. It's going to need some better shots to confirm it.
Bismarck Honeyeater
Barely known member
CharlesFentiman
Active member
I saw the bird yesterday and I think it is certainly a good candidate for Caspian Reed Warbler, but I agree with the need for more photos but also feedback with those who are familiar with the finer points on how to separate Eurasian from Caspian.
wolfbirder
Well-known member
I think its a Eurasian Reed Warbler tho primary projection is fairly short, so probably juvenile. Think I can count 8 primary tips, BRW usually shows 6 visible - though that is hard to gauge.
Marsh IMO, show a less pointed, less needle-shaped bill, and a slightly shorter one. But of course mindful of overlap between species.
Caspian Reed would IMO more likely show a paler and broader fore super, a bit like BRW.
Be interested to see what others think. The concolorous upperparts could indeed indicate Marsh or BRW.
That bill is a whoppa though on that last (4th) photo, looks vast - is it the same bird? Large Billed Reed Warbler anyone??8-P
Marsh IMO, show a less pointed, less needle-shaped bill, and a slightly shorter one. But of course mindful of overlap between species.
Caspian Reed would IMO more likely show a paler and broader fore super, a bit like BRW.
Be interested to see what others think. The concolorous upperparts could indeed indicate Marsh or BRW.
That bill is a whoppa though on that last (4th) photo, looks vast - is it the same bird? Large Billed Reed Warbler anyone??8-P
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wolfbirder
Well-known member
Ken, are you sure the last image is of the same bird as the first 3?
KenM
Well-known member
KenM
Well-known member
More Images of Stuart Fisher's, Leyton, London, adult Reed Warbler with worn plumage.
The first two images were taken on Saturday 22nd November, an overcast day with intermittent showers (Image no.2. showing the emargination on p3 in alignment with end of tertials), an A.scirpaceous requisite.
IMO the lighting was more neutral, and gave a more accurate interpretation of the bird's paleness, the other images were taken under brighter conditions, giving the uppers an ''A.palustris'' look, with strikingly white underparts.
Cheers
The first two images were taken on Saturday 22nd November, an overcast day with intermittent showers (Image no.2. showing the emargination on p3 in alignment with end of tertials), an A.scirpaceous requisite.
IMO the lighting was more neutral, and gave a more accurate interpretation of the bird's paleness, the other images were taken under brighter conditions, giving the uppers an ''A.palustris'' look, with strikingly white underparts.
Cheers
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Bismarck Honeyeater
Barely known member
Actually I found it (albeit mistaking it in very poor views whilst twitching Stuart's Whitethroats, so probably best to gloss over that
) Why has it got pale legs and bright feet? Marsh Warbler feature? Seems to change shape in each photo, yes I know they move8-P but it looks quite Blyth's like in the last of your shots!
Where's Jane when you need her?
Tib78
Well-known member
I doubt this is a Marsh, it just does not look/feel like one to me.
However, and despite the relatively long PP and P3 emargination seemingly situated quite high on the feather edge , some of the photos in the last batch do give a Blyth's impression, at least to my eyes.
But I guess such a showy bird at such a late date for the UK has been quite extensively scrutinized and Blyth's conclusively ruled out? Or?
However, and despite the relatively long PP and P3 emargination seemingly situated quite high on the feather edge , some of the photos in the last batch do give a Blyth's impression, at least to my eyes.
But I guess such a showy bird at such a late date for the UK has been quite extensively scrutinized and Blyth's conclusively ruled out? Or?
KenM
Well-known member
I'm relatively confident that it isn't Blyth's Tib, I think pp (as long as tertials), and the apparent position of the emargination on p3 (not being within the tertial range) discount that possibility.
However because of the birds pallor, I'm wondering if Caspian Reed Warbler might be a consideration, I've certainly never seen RW looking like this?
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Bismarck Honeyeater
Barely known member
My problem is that it has been anything but showy:C
KenM
Well-known member
Yes I agree, took me several hours on Monday to connect, and that was on a sunny day!
wolfbirder
Well-known member
What is the general opinion of people who have seen it?
