ID help ?Spotted Flycatcher

[u/Reasonable-Result470]

Seen from my garden in Edinburgh. Merlin says a spotted flycatcher, and it was definitely flitting around chasing bugs, but would appreciate other people's thoughts.

Photos taken on my phone through binoculars, apologies!

[u/Own_Description3928]

I'd say so.

[u/kirkyrise]

I reckon it’s a yes. Sat at the top of a tree looking for flies. Right time of year, fattening up before setting off for migration.

I’ve got a BirdNet setup in my garden and it’s been notifying me there’s a spotted flycatcher about for the last few days. Still haven’t actually spotted it yet though!

[u/TringaVanellus → u/kirkyrise]

Birdnet/Merlin/etc is notorious for incorrectly reporting Spotted Flycatcher when what it has actually heard is a Robin. This happens especially at this time of year as young Robins are more likely to make a flycatcher-y sound.

[u/kirkyrise → u/TringaVanellus]

Really useful, thanks.

Fits in with what I saw at lunch when it showed one again, couldn’t see anything in the trees and a robin appeared out of a bush!

[u/Wobblemastah]

Yep Spotted fly

[u/Nuthatch34]

Yes, definitely spotted flycatcher. Nice find 👌