
We spotted three warblers together which helped to illustrate differences that I might not pick-up on when seeing them in isolation. The willow warbler is much cleaner and neater than the chiffchaff and the reed warbler has a longer bill and flatter head than the other two.

As we moved along in convoy we came across a buzzard perched on an electricity pylon. I photographed it from a distance as it took flight from the approaching cars but the light was still bad, it was actually raining at the time. I am very pleased that I did though because later analysis shows the very white underwing and tail, pale legs and typical black carpal patches of a Long Legged Buzzard, another first for me, and in fact for most if not all of our group.
This particular bird is described in Collins as a "Rufous" example. I remember thinking at the time that is was very large and long winged for a common buzzard, it was actually quite majestic and golden eagle-like. Bird of the day for sure. |