Is this a kind of warbler?

[woodsie]

Hi. I am new to this site and not much of a photographer but I hope someone can tell me what this bird is. It seems like some kind of warbler but I can't quite match it up.

[Neil Rigby]

Hi Woodsie, Thanks for the photos. I'm not too sure about this one either.

To help us identify it can you tell us where the bird was seen?

Also, if you can fill in your location using the "User CP" control panel which will help with further posts.

[woodsie]

Hi Neil. Yes I have posted my location in my details as requested but just to let you know I live in Southend on Sea Essex, about a mile from the coast and I have seen the bird in my garden quite a bit over the last week or so. Does this help?
Thanks

[Neil Rigby]

Thanks Woodsie, That's helpful. I know it sounds obvious, but if you're in The Shetlands we can discount certain species, likewise if you're in Essex.

I'm not going to have a punt at this one just yet, but I know a man who probably will!

[woodsie]

Thanks Neil.I look forward to seeing what your man thinks.

[clydebirder]

Hi Woodsie

The bird in the photos is a Dunnock (Prunellis modularis), they are normaly quite skulking birds which don't tend to draw attention to themselves. They are a member of the accentor family although in the UK they used to be known as Hedge Sparrows

cheers, John

[clydebirder]

Originally Posted by clydebirder

Hi Woodsie

The bird in the photos is a Dunnock (Prunellis modularis), they are normaly quite skulking birds which don't tend to draw attention to themselves. They are a member of the accentor family although in the UK they used to be known as Hedge Sparrows

cheers, John

This is a Dunnock I photographed in a local park, the blue/grey wash to the head and chest is subtle but distinctive, the thin bill can also recall a warbler.

[Neil Rigby]

Well done John. Looks obvious now you tell us!

I couldn't see the grey, but you can see the slightly spotty underside.

We've a pair of these in our garden.

[woodsie]

Thanks very much John.
We have a pair of Dunnocks in the garden already and they appear much greyer. There doesn't seem to be the same colouring on this bird. I do apologise for the bad photos but when seen in the flesh they appear to be quite different from our resident Dunnocks. The Dunnocks we have a really quite grey head and chest and this doesn't look the same to us.
Could it not possibly be something else?

[woodsie]

Hi Again John

I have just double checked on the RSPB site and have attached the link that looks more like the existing dunnocks in my garden. I have also enclosed a photo from that page, where they really do look quite grey.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/bird...nock/index.asp
Is it possible that my mystery bird is a dunnock who has not got the full grey colour for some reason yet?

Many thanks for your help.