A Rare Visitor

At least in our garden (and maybe further afield).  I can't remember ever seeing one before.  This is a Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla).  Historically thought to be a summer visitor to the UK, recent evidence suggests that some over winter.  Even so, the latest data from the RSPB suggests that only about 3,000 birds do this, so I was pretty chuffed to not only see it, but also be in a position to record it on camera.


While researching the species I was encouraged to report the sighting on the BTO's Bird Track.  There was a little administration to register and log in, but I finally managed to report the details.  You can even check on other sightings by region and I count myself very lucky to have seen this bird as sightings in the area this year can be counted on the fingers of one hand.