Seen on the beach at Langstone Harbour

[PeterD]

Hi

Since buying the identification book I have tried to avoid having to ask questions here but, having spent quite some time, this bird has avoided being named. Can anyone help please? Phot was taken 18 March.
http://surfbirds.com/albums/data/500/----3182361.jpg (http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=5994&limit=recent)


Thanks

PeterD

[forktail]

Wheatear Peter

a nice early returning migrant - it will have spent the winter somewhere in sub-saharan Africa

F.

[PeterD]

Wheatear Peter

a nice early returning migrant - it will have spent the winter somewhere in sub-saharan Africa

F.

Thanks ever so much. Noticed them for the first time this week. They spend most of the time either on the pebble beach or in the adjoining wet grass fields.

Now I have looked them up, I am kicking myself. I had discounted them as they are described as summer visitors!

PeterD

[nickderry]

yes, nice wheatear, one of the first summer visitors to come back and gorgeous birds too!

[Colin Key]

Nice one Peter. I am assuming that this is a 1st winter (2nd year) female. Keep your eyes open for and adult male - one of the most stunning birds.

Since you have had a look at your newly-acquired field guide you will realise that "wheatears" are not an easy group!!

Colin

[PeterD]

Nice one Peter. I am assuming that this is a 1st winter (2nd year) female. Keep your eyes open for and adult male - one of the most stunning birds.

Since you have had a look at your newly-acquired field guide you will realise that "wheatears" are not an easy group!!

Colin

Thanks Colin, you are not kidding. I convinced myself that it could not be the wheatear because its a Summer visitor although it was the closest match.:cry: Still I am very pleased the way its turned out:smile:

Your recomendation as far as the book was a very good one. Thank you. Its teaching me a lot about what I see. Its funny isn't it? We ignore so much beauty about us and only see it when we go out to look for it.

PeterD

[Brian S]

I might argue it is a first-summer (2cy) male.

Brian S

[Colin Key]

Probably correct Brian; I have just looked at this again on another monitor and shows more grey than I first thought.

Colin