Lesser Whitethroat

Martin kindly gave me a call to inform me that he had seen a Lesser Whitethroat in his back garden. Likely one of the eastern subspecies, I was soon overlooking Martins back garden and waiting for the bird to re-appear. The corner of garden where bird feeders were located was bathed in winter sunshine and Goldfinches, Blue and Great tits and a Greenfinch were feeding on the seed but no sign of the warbler which had been on show at the point of my arrival! I joked that it was likely to re-appear as soon as Owen Leyshon arrived and that is exactly what happened. No sooner was Owen standing beside me it made an appearance and remained in view until we both left.

Whilst I was there it called, sounding like a dry rattle.

Many thanks to Martin for the phone call and allowing access to be able to see the bird.

For comparison, the two photos below are of a juvenile Lesser Whitethroat taken on 23rd August