Mastermind 14 - the leftovers

[Jane Turner]

All WP

Now its time for someone else to get out their pics! So much easier with the rapid uploads!

[Bluetail]

Ah, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey time again! As usual, not at all confident about any of these, but:

1. Buzzard
2. Willow Warbler
3. House Martin
4. Hmm.... Bit worried about those underparts, but I don't think it's a Southern Grey, so I'll go for Great Grey Shrike.

[Michael Frankis]

Can't disagree with the above for 1, 2, 3, but would say Southern Grey Shrike for #4

[Jane Turner]

Of course I can't comment, it would give way too much away. There needs to be two more differing answers before there is enough doubt and randomness!

If Jason has more than Michael or v.v then you have the id of 4 confirmed. If they have the same then you can rule out both Shrikes and know exactly how many of the rest are right or wrong.

[Tim Allwood]

aint that a Lesser Grey?

[Geoff Pain]

Yes I 'll go for Lesser Grey for number 4.

[Michael Frankis]

I reckoned (a) the bill is too long for LGS, and (b) the forehead too pale, too far forward.

Good thing we were told 'all WP' - otherwise I might have gone for Loggerhead Shrike . . . but it is a very good match for the meridionalis in the Collins Bird Guide

Michael

[Bluetail]

I reckoned (a) the bill is too long for LGS, and (b) the forehead too pale, too far forward.
Agreed. And I don't think the primary:tail ratio is right for LGS either.

Now I've thumbed me books I'm reminded that SGS has a much narrower white super than GGS, so I guess you're right on that one.

Jason

[Harry Hussey]

1)Common Buzzard
2)Willow Warbler
3)House Martin
4)Southern Grey Shrike of race meridionalis
Michael,great minds think alike....;)
Harry H

[Tim Allwood]

I've always been in the remedial class chaps! :-C Makes you pair look smart though so be grateful!

agree prims, bill and tail don't look like LGS but I thought Jane was dropping a subtle hint it wasn't GGS or SGS so went for the only other option of female LGS with the reduced black forecrown......From pic I though bit pale above for meridionalis and can't see any white over super?

better get my shrikes book out and do some extra reading...... :news:

[Darrell Clegg]

May be a silly question but can someone tell me why that isn't a Red-backed Shrike???

Darrell

[Michael Frankis]

Good point Darrell, I'm struggling to think - I suppose it 'looks too big', but that can be very confusing. Will try a bit of photoshopping on it . . .

Michael

[Michael Frankis]

Yeah, there's a definite grey head / brown mantle contrast visible when it is lightened up - Red-backed it is

Well spotted Darrell!

Michael

[Bluetail]

Doesn't Red-backed have a shorter, more bulging bill (more rounded lower mandible)?

Jason

[Tim Allwood]

good work gents!

these pix are a nightmare!!!...but we love em

[Jane Turner]

One species hasn't been named yet.

[Jane Turner]

Not actually showing any more than the previous pic... but you will all get it this time

[Bluetail]

Eenie meenie miney mo....

1. Buzzard
2. Chiffchaff
3. House Martin
4. Southern Grey Shrike (still don't think the bill's right for Red-backed)

[Joern Lehmhus]

Why isnt that

Buzzard
Chifchaff
Redrumped swallow
redbacked shrike

Thats what I was thinking uploading the pics

[Jane Turner]

It is... well done

[Jane Turner]

Ah but the Phylloscous is wrong Joern

[Joern Lehmhus]

Then I try willow warbler for the Phylloscopus

[Grousemore]

It is... well done
The pale legs/feet had me fooled.

[Jane Turner]

No, that was my mistake, its the first WW in the garden this year. Taken without magnification hand held through the kitchen window....straight into the sun!

The Shrike is a Red-Back, taken in failing light on Lesvos.

[Grousemore]

I meant the pale legs of the Swallow,Jane.

[Bluetail]

Ah well, you live and (hopefully) learn.

BTW, Jane's second photo of the swallow wasn't available on my machine when I posted my reply at 9.06 (or I wouldn't have suggested Chiffchaff!) Not the first time I've had this happen and I'm sure it's not me overlooking new replies. Anyone else noticed this?

Jason

[Jane Turner]

Anyone for just one more... I think I can scrape together 4 more pics.

I've seen earlier posts appear on a second reload ...or third...yes

[Alastair Rae]

these pix are a nightmare!!!...but we love emI find them maddening. I read BF at lunchtime at work and I don't have my fieldguides here. I still manage to guess about half but without looking them up, I'm afraid of making a idiot of myself.