From Siberia to St Werburghs?

Wild Monty correspondent Jim had a good day today - he saw 2 Jays, 2 Redwing, 6 Goldfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 1 Dunnock, 4 Blackbirds, 1 nesting Robin (nice and early breeding record - lets hope it stays fine for them!) 1 Chaffinch, numerous Blue and Great tits and a Collared Dove in his garden in a frantic half hour this morning.

Jay (photo by Jim)

Also a couple of Chiffchaff in Boiling Wells Lane and a Sparrowhawk over Narroways. Looking at Jim's brilliant photo of the Chiffchaff, it looks very much like a 'tristis' ('Siberian' Chiffchaff) which occasionally turn up in the UK. They are characterised by a much greyer appearance with very little green or yuellow tones on the mantle, breast and flanks. This specimen looks good in that respect - the only yellow tones appear to be confined to the wings. Thanks to Jim for the photos.

Chiffchaff (photo by Jim)