Dowley Gap: Three Chiffchaffs showing exceptionally well this morning, including the very pale bird, present intermittently since December 21. Close views and many photos confirm that the bird shows many (probably all) of the currently accepted characteristics of the race P.c.tristis.
All the birds favour the far end of the boundary fence scrub and bushes just before the path turns up to the aqueduct. The aqueduct is now closed, so there is no passing pedestrian traffic, making for easier viewing, and probably explaining why the birds are now more obliging.
Keith Moir
