Hi Steve
I think it is a Reed Warbler.
The Grassbirds tend to be (A) smaller, (B) have a more pointed tail and (C) usually darker and more striped than your bird.
Here is a link to two sets of images (on the one screen) which helps you compare and contrast them. (Actually the Grassbird here is the Little Grassbird, but they are similar to the Tawny, I understand). http://photogallery.canberrabirds.org.au/old_world_warblers.htm#CLRW
The two birds have very different calls, which you might have been able to use to sort them out.
You can listen to the Reed Warbler call from the bottom right hand column of this BiBY article. http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=172
Unfortunately BiBY does not show the Tawny Grassbird, but they do have the Little Grassbird, with its distinctive three note whistle. Very different from the Reed Warbler, which tends to be much more gutteral in tone, and very loud.
.
Hope that helps (even if a little less exciting than what you thought you might have found).
Denis
Thanks Dennis,
I was being a bit optimistic, I know.
I am fairly sure I did hear a tawny grassbird call and that is what made me think it might have been one.
Next step is to learn some bird calls.
,
once again, thanks very much for your expert help dennis. It is very much appreciated.
,
cheers,
steve
Hi Steve
I think it is a Reed Warbler.
The Grassbirds tend to be (A) smaller, (B) have a more pointed tail and (C) usually darker and more striped than your bird.
Here is a link to two sets of images (on the one screen) which helps you compare and contrast them. (Actually the Grassbird here is the Little Grassbird, but they are similar to the Tawny, I understand).
http://photogallery.canberrabirds.org.au/old_world_warblers.htm#CLRW
The two birds have very different calls, which you might have been able to use to sort them out.
You can listen to the Reed Warbler call from the bottom right hand column of this BiBY article.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=172
Unfortunately BiBY does not show the Tawny Grassbird, but they do have the Little Grassbird, with its distinctive three note whistle. Very different from the Reed Warbler, which tends to be much more gutteral in tone, and very loud.
.
Hope that helps (even if a little less exciting than what you thought you might have found).
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Thanks Dennis,
I was being a bit optimistic, I know.
I am fairly sure I did hear a tawny grassbird call and that is what made me think it might have been one.
Next step is to learn some bird calls.
,
once again, thanks very much for your expert help dennis. It is very much appreciated.
,
cheers,
steve