the darker bird I would suggest is a first year, showing lighter tips to GC & SS? and a fairly short tail. I would say though that it is unusual to come across such a young looking bird in mid winter?... Isn't it?
-- Edited by JamieDunning on Saturday 4th of January 2014 02:29:41 PM
An hour or so with Phil Hampson and another birder whose name I did not catch. A careful search from Carwood Road to the furthest upstream bridge but no sign of any race of Dipper. There is much more inaccessible territory though.
The other birder was probably me John. I had a bit of a wander downstream, also without success.
Please don't miss understand me as being dismissive, I'm just airing on the side of caution!
Ive seen specimen labeled as black bellied which are questionable, there is variation in all three occurring Spp. in Britain and on top of all of that, I believe the long staying Thetford bird was looking doubtful in the end.
Roger, you're right, hibernicus is the Scottish/Irish ssp. that's what you get for writing controversies on the bus!
I hope it does turn out to black bellied, I just think the odd possibly wouldn't go a miss.
An hour or so with Phil Hampson and another birder whose name I did not catch. A careful search from Carwood Road to the furthest upstream bridge but no sign of any race of Dipper. There is much more inaccessible territory though.
For interest here is a link to all sub-species recorded in Britain and Ireland. Black-bellied Dipper is the nominate Cinclus cinclus cinclus (not hibernicus) and is an annual vagrant from the continent so I don't dismiss this claim as easily as Jamie. I will check again sometime.
Timperley life list c. 89 (ish). Barn Owl 4.11.19, Green Sand 27.8.19, Little Egret 13.2.19, ringtail harrier sp 20.10.18, Fawn Yawn 15.10.18, Grasshopper Warbler 15.4.16, Tree Pipit 13.4.16, Yellowhammer 5.4.15, Hobby May '11, Wigeon Dec '10
Timperley life list c. 89 (ish). Barn Owl 4.11.19, Green Sand 27.8.19, Little Egret 13.2.19, ringtail harrier sp 20.10.18, Fawn Yawn 15.10.18, Grasshopper Warbler 15.4.16, Tree Pipit 13.4.16, Yellowhammer 5.4.15, Hobby May '11, Wigeon Dec '10
A brief wander this morning. Lots of activity and song. Those seen this morning included: 3 Blackcaps 1 Chiffchaff 1 Nuthatch 2 Grey Wagtail 2 Mistle Thrush 5 Jays 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (others heard) 2 Manadarins on the river 1 Sparrowhawk drifted over the canopy
Very pleasant couple of hours this afternoon produced the following highlights:-
1 Kingfisher 1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding a very noisy juvenile. Pair of Blackcaps feeding at least 2 juveniles. Juvenile Nuthatch being fed by adult. Plenty of juvenile Robins, Wrens, Blue and Great Tits - with and without adults. Many Blackbirds carrying food.
Other sightings included;
Coal Tit Long-tailed Tits Pair of Mallard Chiffchaffs Chaffinches Carrion Crow having a drink in the brook.
Had a walk both North and South along wooded valley both sides of Carr Wood Road this afternoon but no Wood Warbler.
On south side (previous spot favoured by the Wood Warbler) main highlights where Male Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker (calling and some drumming).
On north side it was great to see 2 adult Treecreepers collecting food and 1 juvenile waiting patiently to be fed. Also 2 very agitated Jays making a right racket.
No sight or sound of Wood Warbler on a very dank and wet afternoon. Perhaps after 3 weeks of trying to attract a mate it has decided to move on? Highlight was seeing a small family of Long Tailed Tits feeding youngsters - best guess was at least 5 juveniles in the party. Rick.
Wood Warbler still singing its head off up to 13:00 Aslo present - Pair Mallards 1 Male Blackcap 1 Kingfisher - sat on handrail of footbridge and then flew off downstream.
Got there on Weds evening just as he stopped singing and disappeared! Tried again at the crack of dawn this morning and was rewarded with fantastic views, really put me in a good mood for the day. Well worth the trip over from Oldham.
No sign of the Wood Warbler between 7.00 and 7.20 this evening. Not even up in the canopy. Hopefully just taking a rest somewhere. Other birds of note though were: 1 GSW 2 Treecreeper 2 Grey Wagtail 1 Blackcap plus lots of the usual in good voice
Wood Warbler still present at 19:00 but was very elusive at first. Only started singing 10 mins after arriving and did not show for another 5 mins after first hearing it - but it did put in an appearance close up to give my friend a good view.
Wood Warbler still there putting on a show this afternoon. About 50yds after the fallen tree and you can't miss him - managed to get some photos today. His whole body shakes as he belts out the last few notes - brilliant.
I've never had a favourite bird before, but I think I've got one now.