So. Farewell then. Freedom for now, at least most of it. I doubt I can be able to go to my new birding spot, I went twice, it was good, i’ll be back when the crisis dies down. So I’ll have to stick to my local nature reserve and my garden, I’ve chosen the former over the local park (which is closer to me) as it should be quieter so the chances of contamination should be much slimmer there. For those outside the UK, we Brits can only now go outside to exercise (walk, run, or cycle) once a day so going to more than one location in a day is a no-no. I can combine my walks with nature to keep me sane(ish). Anyway, today’s subject. One that began to sing at my local reserve on the 16th March, the first returning Spring migrant bird.
What: Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (Vieillot, 1817)
When: 24th March 2020
Where: Jackson’s Brickworks, Poynton, Cheshire, UK
Who saw it? Me.
How was it recorded? On the eBird app.
Is it bigger than a blackbird? No, similar to a blue tit in size.
What is it? A relatively plain looking member of the warbler family (the European warblers are pretty plain looking in general). Sandy brown coloured on top and pale underneath with a dark stripe crossing the eye. They are very similar to the later arriving Willow Warbler but i’d say Chiffchaffs are a little ‘scruffier’ looking then their close cousins. The most distinctive feature is the song, which gives the species its onomatopoeic name (it songs its own name); a high pitched two or three syllable song repeated over and over. It’s not a particularly beautiful song but for me it is the sound of Spring. They are (or were in some place) a spring migrant and overwinter in southern and western Europe, but increasing numbers stay here over winter (more likely migrating birds overwintering in southern England before heading back giving the impression they are there all year round).
A fact I have learned about this species: Even though it sings from the tops of small trees and shrubs it nests on or near to the ground. Also, the German name for this bird is also onomatapeic: the Zilpzalp.
Is it charismatic in my opinion: Easiest one yet. Yes. They are so vocal at this time of the year and are the best bird to demonstrate seasonal migration in my opinion.
A Species a Day 