One of the earliest migrant warbler songs that I listen for on my local patch walks is that of the [Common] Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and over the past few days I have seen and or heard at least a dozen individuals at two different locations. Whilst some birds do overwinter in our southern counties the majority visit the UK from around the Mediterranean from mid-March until October.
Typically this 'LBJ' flits around fairly high up in the trees seeking out insects while continually announcing its presence. Its call is a soft whistled 'hweet' but the song is usually a series of well spaced, clear, monosyllabic notes.
This species is very similar to the Willow Warbler (P. trochilus), which also arrives here in April, but in early Spring the distinctive, repetitive song and dark legs of the Chiffchaff makes identification easy. I'll be listening out for a returning Willow Warbler during the coming weeks.
Wishing everyone wherever you are a glorious wildlife watching Easter weekend. FAB.
Linking to Saturday's Critters and I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'
sweet looking bird with a very sweet song.
ReplyDeleteLovely bird!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking the same thing, TWG, - very sweet song. I played it while sitting on the veranda this evening and a gecko answered!
ReplyDeleteI know spring is really hear when I hear my first chiffchaff.. and now seem to be hearing them all the time.. just lovely.....
ReplyDeleteUnas imágenes muy chulas... Un abrazo desde Murcia....
ReplyDeleteYes I have seen and heard the chiffchaff here on the I.O.W. Have a Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteFrank, your Chiffchaff is a sweet bird. I love their sounds.. They are prettier than the usual LBJ I see here. Great photos.. Happy Easter! Thank you for linking up! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe background, the branches and the bird are so beautiful Frank. Have a great weekend. Carol
ReplyDeleteCute little birds! Thank you for including the song. Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteTweet-tweet sweet!
ReplyDeletelove warblers!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, pretty bird perched in the new Springtime tree.
ReplyDeleteI saw my first a couple of weeks ago but heard my first last weekend. It's a great song to hear and heralds so much excitement of what's to come in the birding year. Smashing pictures and video.
ReplyDeleteCute little birds !! Great shots !!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter !
Lovely Bird, lovely song and lovely Spring blossoms. Happy Easter to you and yours Frank~
ReplyDeleteVery pretty. :) Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteI get "trill trill trill doowoop dooweep doowoop dooweep x100 then trill trill trill" again. I've never seen one, only heard them, they started here about a week ago
ReplyDeleteGreat discourse on the two species.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful birds and have a lovely song!
ReplyDeleteWell captured Frank. I was listening to one yesterday but try as I might I didn't manage to spot it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post Frank, photos, info and the bird call. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteSweet song for this little bird. Thank goodness for bird song and call or I would miss many of them altogether...... Michelle
ReplyDeleteHello Frank, Lovely photos of the Chiffchaff! The song is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYesterday i have heard my first CC. of this year.
Have a nice weekend,
Greetings,
Maria