Icterine Warblers on Bardsey

Yes, it's official, autumn is on its way, many waders are making their way back down through the country on their way to their wintering grounds already and this is also the case with the 3 Icterine warblers found on Bardsey this week. The three birds appeared a day apart from each other on the 21st and 22nd August and then to everyones suprise, a third appeared on the 23rd August.

Taken by Ben Porter - Icterine Warbler

Icterine can be easily confused with the very similar Melodious Warbler, but can be determined by its longer wings and well marked wing panel with its paler edges to the primaries, secondaries and tertials. Another note to take is its square-shaped end to its tail. This bird, to me looks like a juvenile bird with its more dull-brown appearance to its upperparts. An adult would appear a lot brighter in a green-yellow colour

This is another 'Iccy' taken at Spurn point a couple of years ago. Notice the bill size, comparing to that of Willow Warbler or Chiffchaff, the bill is a lot more stoat and slightly longer.