Another Sibe

......probably. Hallcroft Fisheries, Retford

(Siberian?) Lesser Whitethroat 1
Firecrest 1
Chiffchaff 1 singing
Goosander 1 f flew over

Also today: Grey Partridge (nearby)

Year 160: (Siberian) Lesser Whitethroat, Firecrest, Grey Partridge

I was working just 10 minutes drive from Retford today so it seemed a good opportunity to call in and see these birds, especially the Lesser Whitethroat which has been upgraded to a probable Sibe over the past few days. It's been present since at least Christmas. It was very difficult to photograph, constantly flitting around and feeding, but I managed to get a few usable shots. I'll highlight below features which are characteristic of Sibe, taking into account that these are poor photos and the light wasn't great. None of this is conclusive, and it will probably never be more than a probable Sibe unless somebody can get a feather for DNA analysis.

Buffy flanks contrasting with whitethroat, sandy brown back.

Catching a fly! Short-winged / long-tailed appearance. It almost looks wagtail like in this photo.

Sandy brown back and pale wing panel. Not sure how much the latter matters though, but it is also apparent in other photos.

Brown extending onto the nape.

Extensive white on outer tail feathers (stretching it on this photo!), buffy flanks and breast contrasting with throat and a not very obvious dark mask.

Brown extending onto the nape.

Buffy flanks and breast contrasting with throat and indistinct mask.