POTENTIAL UK FIRST - EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER, DURHAM

[Wandering Tattler]

An Eastern Crowned Warbler at Trow Quarry (NZ383665), The Leas, South Shields, Durham. Park on the A183, close to the Bamburgh Public House and walk 250-300 metres towards the coast. The small, grass filled quarry has a small, isolated area of bushes and small trees against the wall of the quarry and the warbler has been frequently coming out into the sparsely leafed sycamores to the right and showing well. There is also a Yellow-browed Warbler, which regularly chased the Eastern Crowned Warbler. If accepted as a genuine vagrant then the bird will be a UK first.

[Wandering Tattler]

The Eastern Crowned Warbler was not seen today at Trow Quarry, South Shields.

[Tony Kennelly]

Tim,

thanks for the location directions, but I heard the news when I staying in Keswick last week, away with my girlfriend so not a chance to see it before returning home. Still, I haven't made it to staines moor yet either but the brown shrike's still there!! However a reported red-throated diver's turned up on the small lake in central park, chelmsford for the whole of last week, when I was away (I live about 200m away). I checked it out this morning & it looked like a black-throated diver to me, due to bill, shape & colour jizz. I will double check my photos of it (taken only 3-5 metres away) before upsetting all the essex birders!

Tony

[Wandering Tattler]

Tony,

The Essex bird has been there since at least the 18th of October, when it showed a much clearer red throat patch. Looking at the most recent photos I can see that the red has disappeared in a week as the bird has moulted. When you are used to seeing birds half a mile out to sea and showing the upward angled bill, then see the bird at your feet it gives a very different perspective. A common problem for very experienced birders when holding a bird in the hand or a ringer seeing a bird in a bush. Looking at the photos on Birdguides I cannot see any white patch towards the rear, which is one of the best features of B-T Divers.

Go and see the Shrike, it is a great M25 bird for birders in the Smoke!

All the best,

Tim

[Tony Kennelly]

Tim,

I came to the same conclusion after reviewing my photos that night. I focused too much on the bill & not on the plumage. I must buy the paperback collins field guide as my pocket guide was a little misleading. However I've got bad news, as the bird was found dead in the river on tuesday.

I will try to get away early to see the brown shrike this weekend, but then again there's plenty to see around my way ie spotted crake, caspian gull etc

A quick reminder for you & any others that the gull ID workshop at Rainham Marsh will be on Nov 21st 10am-3pm. At least 6 regular winter species & upto 4 others.

Tony