Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs are most distinct in the autumn after they have completed their moult. The Willow Warbler on the top is very yellow underneath. Some birds show yellow streaks on the underside but these do not stand out strongly because they are set in a background of light yellow wash. Its legs are brown, contrasting with the light orangey-yellow soles. The lores are light coloured and the lower half of the eyering does not stand out well beside the light coloured lores. The supercilium is yellow all the way.

Chiffchaffs show the yellow streaks on the underside quite strongly because there is no background yellow wash on Chiffchaffs. Instead there is a pale buff or fawn wash. The legs are dark brown but, depending on lighting conditions, are not a good separating character. In the hand the soles are darker orange and quite dull compared with a Willow Warbler. The lores are dark so that the lower half of the eyering stands out very strongly. The supercilium is yellow back to level with the back of the eye but behind that it becomes a buff or fawn colour, lacking yellow.

The back colour is similar in both species. None of these above characteristics is visible in the field as the appearance of the birds is very dependent on lighting conditions. ID then depends on calls and primary projection.

Autumn Chiffchaff

This Chiffchaff shows the lack of yellow behind the eye on the supercilium. It also shows that the supercilium is short and insignificant compared with the all-yellow and long one of the Willow Warbler. The short primary projection is also clear.

Grey Seal Pups are born on Copeland during October

Young Manx Shearwaters are not often seen at this stage on Copeland because the nest chamber is usually out of reach. Since the study burrows have been installed, it has been possible to see them in the downy stage. This bird was 5-6 weeks old when this picture was taken. It looks content with its first view of the world in daylight, and unabashed by the wind from behind which is blowing its down forwards, making its head look very odd.

This tail view is the same bird as shown in the accompanying photograph. Ringers will find this one a bit of a challenge. The head and breast are deliberately not being shown, so as to make the job of ageing and sexing this Linnet a bit more difficult. After leaving these two photos here on this website until Christmas, the answers will be presented here. The bird has a retrap history, so there is no doubt about its status. If you can't wait until Christmas, send your answer by e-mail entitled "mystery Linnet" to neville.mckee@btinternet.com and he will reply to explain where you got it wrong (or confirm that you are right!)