Abstract

On 12th October 2017, an Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis/ S. crassirostris was discovered on St Agnes, Isles of Scilly. Present until 20th October, the warbler was not easy to observe and confirming its identification to species level proved difficult. Eventually, after much effort in the field, and examination of crucial photographs showing the tail pattern and the markings of the undertail-coverts, the bird was identified as an Eastern Orphean Warbler S. crassirostris and it has been accepted as the first British record. This paper combines the account of the finders, written by Neil Wright, and that of Ashley Fisher and Robert Flood, who were instrumental in the bird’s correct identification.