September 11th 2008

Moult to the bird's 6th-winter plumage ( which is really adult now ) is well advanced with still a few weeks to go before completion. The smart new white-tipped primary feathers are clearly visible, along with the old, brown outermost primary feather on each wing, which will soon be shed. Head flecking is appearing and the bill is now a dull colouration which both indicate winter plumage.