Reed Warbler or Blyth's? Isle of Wight, UK (1 Viewer)

[traceyj]

I am pretty sure this is a Reed Warbler - it just looks a little different from the ones I have seen before - possibly due to a different pose. I have put it through Google Lens and it is coming up with Blyth's or Reed - could anyone help?

Photo taken today on the Isle of Wight, UK. Please note that the bird did not call at any time.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Although there is nothing visible here to exclude Blyth's reed warbler, this species is quite a rare vagrant in the UK, and therefore much more likely to be Eurasian reed, which is a common breeding bird throughout the UK.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Tracey.

excellent picture! Tfs!
I agree with Daniel and you, its one of the Reed Warblers. Date (quite early for a fully fledged, adult looking juvenile) and worn tail-feathers makes this an adult bird imo (?)

I cant exclude the much rarer Blyths Reed and Marsh Warbler here, do you have more pictures? (although deep yellow area on lores (sadly with a citrin, and not rusty tinge) and intense colouring on the flanks is (slightly) not so good for a Marsh Warbler, but yes it doesnt exclude this species.

 

[traceyj]

Hello Tracey.

excellent picture! Tfs!
I agree with Daniel and you, its one of the Reed Warblers. Date (quite early for a fully fledged, adult looking juvenile) and worn tail-feathers makes this an adult bird imo (?)

I cant exclude the much rarer Blyths Reed and Marsh Warbler here, do you have more pictures? (although deep yellow area on lores (sadly with a citrin, and not rusty tinge) and intense colouring on the flanks is (slightly) not so good for a Marsh Warbler, but yes it doesnt exclude this species.

Hi Alexander - thank you so much for your feedback...I do have another shot - in this one - the bird looks far darker. I am presuming it is the same bird but cannot be certain....

 

[traceyj]

Although there is nothing visible here to exclude Blyth's reed warbler, this species is quite a rare vagrant in the UK, and therefore much more likely to be Eurasian reed, which is a common breeding bird throughout the UK.

Thank you so much Daniel - I very much appreciate you helping me.

 

[lou salomon]

both photos show Eurasian Reed Warblers.

 

[traceyj]

both photos show Eurasian Reed Warblers.

Many thanks Lou - very much appreciate your input.