Chiffchaff

Sunshine! What a glorious day. Food for the soul!

The dogs and I had a long walk which was so enjoyable after seemingly days either stuck indoors or with far from appealing weather. I went back to Bowers Mill and walked the canal in the opposite direction. The waters have receded significantly. Although the flow is tamed, there was much evidence of where the banks have burst, leaving the saturated tow path a quagmire. It wasn't as pretty as it would have been heading south and the canal runs parallel and close to a main road.

When I spotted this little bird the drone of the traffic was too loud to hear it's song. It's a Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita which in the summer months are almost identical to another common bird, the Willow Warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus. At this time of year the Willow Warblers will all have migrated whilst there is a growing population of resident Chiffchaffs. The two species are most easily identified by their song. The other difference is the colour of their legs, if you are quick enough to get a glimpse of them as they flit through the trees and the length of their wing tips. This one has the Chiffchaffs typical dark legs. If you're interested in seeing the differences the BTO have a good video.


I have been trying to catch up with all your journals but the going is not as quick as I'd hoped. A rare opportunity gave me an internet connection after W. had gone to bed last night. I had a fantastic session into the early hours but there are just too many amazing images to digest! I'm very grateful for all your support and enthusiasm in a time when I've had to reduce my hours on Blipfoto. I appreciate each and every one of you.