Pallas's Warbler at Knott End, Lancashire

October 18, 2012:
After a long bleak autumn for interesting birds locally, a Pallas's Warbler arrived at Knott End on Monday (the 15th). Since then, it has spent most of its time hunting insects in and around a sycamore tree in a garden which backs onto the sea wall.

It was very elusive and fast moving amongst the leaves and branches and being so small, was difficult to follow never mind to photograph. Eventually, it came slightly more into the open for a few seconds allowing some distant photos before vanishing again.

Pallas's Warblers breed in an area eastwards from Siberia to north-east China and usually winter in southern China although small numbers can also arrive in western Europe. It was watched by quite a large group of people today. Many thanks to Chris Batty for allowing access to his garden.

Its characteristic pale cream rump, the bright yellow crown stripe and the prominent dark eye stripe can be seen.