One of the Sylvia species that arrives in the UK from tropical Africa in late April is the Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin). A fairly nondescript and featureless bird that falls into the 'LBJ' category (that's little brown job in birding parlance!) Basically described as an olive brown-grey, plump warbler with no obvious markings apart from its thick, stubby bill and a diffuse pale ring around a dark eye.
Whilst it's appearance is nothing to shout about its song is a different story; comprising of 3-8 second rapid verses that do not form a clear melody but shuttle up and down. Some say it sounds like a rippling brook.
Click here for the link to its song. 
Despite its name it is not really a garden bird unless you are fortunate to have a very mature garden right next to deciduous or mixed woodland. From memory this is the first time I have obtained any images of this delightful songster and it was one of the first birds to capture my attention during my local patch walk yesterday after returning from a holiday in Italy.
This individual constantly toured a number of high song posts so it was just a matter of picking out a likely spot and waiting for it to reappear. Success rewarded by patience.
Linking to Nature Notes and Wild Bird Wednesday.
A true treasure! A trip to your little corner of the world is definitely on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little bird! The link wouldn't work for me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful chorus from that dull bird Frank.{:))
ReplyDeleteI have a few, but no chance of a shot yet this year.
Thanks Karen. Look forward to seeing you sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteMona. I've now fixed the link.
Pretty warbler, I love the singing captures. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHi Frank. Thanks for amending the link. I tried again, and it worked. That little guy has a beautiful song!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely song for a wonderful bird.
ReplyDeleteInteresting warbler. Even a plain colored warbler is a beauty:)
ReplyDeleteHi Frank Wonderful capture of this Warbler and he is doing his best to attract a mate I see!
ReplyDeleteWhat it lacks in appearance is definitely made up for by that wonderful 'warbling' song.
ReplyDeleteWell spotted and captured Frank...[;o)
Great find Frank,fantastic tick to have from your own corner in the World.
ReplyDeleteSuperb images.
John.
A lovely capture Frank.
ReplyDeleteHe makes up for his plain appearance with that song!
ReplyDeleteEileen. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSteve B. Glad you could listen in this time.
Cheers Midmarsh John.
Thanks Karen.
I think the Garden Warblers best field mark is its almost complete lack of field marks! Its been a while since I saw one!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
PS: glad my squeaky explanation concords with British TV - it must be right!!!
It might be a LBJ, but the song is complex and beautiful. Thank you for linking into Nature Notes Frank.... Michelle
ReplyDeleteLBJ indeed! But lovely too! Very nice photos of your Garden Warbler!
ReplyDelete