Jay, shrike or other in Kent, UK?? (1 Viewer)

[jboy72]

First time posting, I joined up just for this question. ID apps suggest this bird in my garden in Greater London/Kent borders is either a Jay or a Butcher Bird. Obviously one is commons place and one would be highly unlikely! Its general appearance was “kingfisher” shape but bigger. I have seen many Jays - it just didn’t look like one, but I am not an expert on juveniles etc. Does anyone have any ideas?? I appreciate the photos are not great. Thanks!

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Can´t comment on the bird, but the tree looks like an Eucalyptus species , so something Australian ( a few species are hardy in parts of UK, I know).

when did you photograph this, just recently?

 

[Butty]

It's... I believe this is a great tailed grackle

 

[jboy72]

Thanks both - yes, the eucalyptus is in my garden and the photo was taken two days ago. From Butty’s reply it does look like I have fallen for the trap of thinking a Jay might be something a bit more exotic. There was no blue at all, but it did look like the bird in the thread Butty linked to. Oh well!

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

May well be a jay , yes , but on my screen it looks rather grey and blurry-I am not sure what else it could be , jay could well be the answer

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

Yep, a jay. It’s not unusual for people to mistake a jay. 😊

 

[dantheman]

Welcome to Birdforum.

Yep, a jay. It’s not unusual for people to mistake a jay. 😊

Tom Jones was a birder??!

 

[jboy72]

Thanks for your help, all

 

[delia todd]

Hi jboy and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. That's really funny, as the first image made me think butcherbird straight off, bur can't be if it's in London, so I'm not surprised your ID apps suggested that unless you restricted the range.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Jos Stratford]

On behalf of the moderating team, I would also like to welcome you to the forum. Please enjoy.