ML636295472

Observation details

At ~2.215 mts, at the base of the almost vertical escarpment that crowns the ridge North East of the İshak Paşa Palace, at around 07:40 AM. A small and very compact bird flies from the thorn-scrub to perch on a nearby rock, about 3-4 meters from me. Seeing the bird without optics, my first thought is that it was a Wren, given the compact structure at flight. Once perched, I observe the bird with binoculars and I notice that it is clearly Phylloscopus Warbler. The bird starts singing and its song is completely different from a Common or Mountain Chiffchaff: very short, a burst, nothing like the long and repetitive songs of the Chiffchaffs. Also, coloration does not match: pale grey, without neither olive hues, nor pure brown like in P. sindianus. The white eyebrow contrasts with a weak blackish loral stripe. Overall, my impression is a very compact (Goldcrest-like structure) Phylloscopus version of an Upcher's Warbler. When I realize that I am seeing a Plain Leaf Warbler, a Rock Bunting flushes it. The bird flies into the escarpment, getting lost in the scrubs and tiny junipers that emerge from the rocks. Later, I manage to see the bird again twice, managing to take some testimonial photos, and also hearing its song again briefly, without being able of recording it.