Mystery bird on Westerdale Moor

[Derickp]

Very distant shot of what I thought at first was a Whitethroat. I tracked it with binoculars and when it landed on this distant tree I had my doubts. It has a distinct black mask, light Yellowish eye ring, very stubby beak, white bib, rustic coloured wings, pale underside and dark flipes under tail. Taken at about 120 yards on full zoom and visibilty not the best hence the poor quality.

[IanF]

Common Whitethroat for me.

[Derickp]

Thanks Ian, that was my first thoughts as well. However Neil asked the size of it and when I thought back, it took off when a Winchat landed in the same tree and it was smaller than the Winchat.  Neil zoomed the photo in and examined it and then suggested a Male Spectacled Warbler which never entered my head. It does however fit this bird all but what I thought was a stubby beak. The Face, Wing colour and Eyering all seems to fit. Does that alter your opinion, with those thoughts in mind?

[IanF]

Head shape colour and markings and back all point to Common Whitethroat which should be numerous in that area.

Spectacled Warbler would be far less likely.

Birds do look different in different lighting. Not sure I'd have considered anything other than Whitethroat if I'd seen this bird going by the photo.

[Derickp]

Thanks Ian, for the extra info. I,ll go with your more knowledgeable opinion.

[Clivuss]

Lesser Whitethroat?  Hmmn...A bit off its beaten track though.