????????

[Michael W]

Here is the first in a series of quiz photos. I will post the new one when I give the answer.

This one was shot in Washington.

Your guess is welcome!!! Don't be shy!!! o:)

Michael

[samuel walker]

Pacific loon or diver
Sam

[Chigrl]

A loon. Just like me ;) :bounce:

[Larry Lade]

I will go for Arctic Loon.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I was thinking more along the lines of a Guillemot (Common Murre).

[CJW]

Guillemot as Andrew says.
But we're only Limeys, so what do we know? ;)

[Bluetail]

I'll go with Common Murre.

[Michael W]

Kudos to Andrew, Chris, and Jason. :clap: :clap: :clap: I hadn't thought of loons getting in to the mix (You may still be one, Chigrl! ;)) ... Trickier than I thought it would be.

Next was photographed in Idaho. Shouldn't be real hard.

Michael

[Andrew Whitehouse]

That's a quality photograph Michael! Times like this I'm glad I can fiddle with it in Photoshop. With a bit of brightening it looks like a Belted Kingfisher.

[TorchBCT]

Belted Kingfisher

[Ghostly Vision]

Andrew - your version of Photoshop is a good one!!

Looks like the entrance to the Channel Tunnel to me. Is it a trick question????

Sean

[Chigrl]

Hooded merganser.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Andrew - your version of Photoshop is a good one!!

Looks like the entrance to the Channel Tunnel to me. Is it a trick question????

Sean

Kind of spoiling it, but I just adjusted the brightness about 20%. You can actually see it in the original, once you know what to look for. I must admit, my first reaction before fiddling with the picture was American Coot!

[Ghostly Vision]

Cracking!!! If only it had been photographed in Cornwall.........

Sean

[Bluetail]

Cracking!!! If only it had been photographed in Cornwall.........

SeanYes, another one of these at Wadebridge would go down very well. Well done to Andrew for sorting it out.

[Michael W]

Congratulations, Andrew, for cracking it, and to the others for agreeing! :clap: I knew that it could be lightened in photoshop to show the species very well.

This next one was photographed in Okanogan County, Washington, last month. Any guesses?

[Jane Turner]

White-throated Sparrow I think... I have seen Belted Kingfisher in Cornwall btw ;)

[Larry Lade]

I would also go with White-throated Sparrow.

[samuel walker]

white-throated sparrow juvinile.Maybe a male,maybe not
Sam

[Michael W]

Congratulations Jane, Larry, and Sam!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: I decided it was a juvenile at the time.

This next one might be a little tricky. Again, photographed in Washington on our property in about August.

[gthang]

Hey All, i'm gonna have to say Lazuli Bunting for that last one.

I did get the Belted Kingfisher (without manipulation I might add!)

[Chigrl]

Juvenile summer tanager? :D

[Larry Lade]

At first I thought it might be a bluebird, perhaps Western Bluebird. But the more I studied it looked like a Lazuli Bunting. But what about that long, darkish tail tipped with white. I believe that the "tail" may be something other than part of this bird! Maybe a branch with some white paint on it. So I am going with LAZULI BUNTING also.

[gthang]

I checked my books after I posted, and it is closest to the Lazuli...

[erizzo]

I agree with the Lazuli Bunting. I'm going by the wingbar. But it has what looks like a big white eye ring that doesnt go with the Lazuli. But I dont see any other choice.
So I'll say with that.

[Michael W]

Everyone who said LAZULI BUNTING was absolutely correct. :clap: I wondered about this bird a little bit too. But it did give the call note of a Lazuli.

This next one was shot in Florida last December.

[Grousemore]

Willet.

[gthang]

Ditto on the willet!

Of course, i have as much trouble with sandpipers as I do with Sparrows...

[Bluetail]

Seems a straightforward Willet to me.

[Chigrl]

I'll go along with Willet.

[Larry Lade]

Willet sounds good to me also.

[Michael W]

No problems with that one! :t:

This next one was taken last July.

[TorchBCT]

Rhinoceros Auklet

[Ghostly Vision]

I'd go with summer plumaged Rhinoceros Auklets

Sean

[Bluetail]

Yep, Rhinoceros Auklets

[Michael W]

Great job! :clap:


Here's the next one...

[gthang]

Lesser Yellowlegs.

Believe, I'd recognize them right away, even though I've only just seen them for the first time a month ago.

EDIT: Upon further review, I've decided to change my choice to Solitary Sandpiper.

[Grousemore]

A tentative shot at Spotted Sandpiper.

[Andrew Rowlands]

Very reminiscent of Common Sandpiper; so I'll suggest that it must be a Spotted!

Andy.

[Bluetail]

Yes, Spotted. The more restricted wing-bar rules out Common (not that that was likely anyway!)

[Katy Penland]

Agree, Spotted with the plain brown back and tail and medium wing-bar.

EDIT: Hey, Michael, can we assume that all photos are shot in/around WA unless you say otherwise?

[Ghostly Vision]

Obvious Spotted Sand.

If someone can tell me how to post pics ontot he site I might have a couple of cracking photgraphic failures - er, sorry, mystery photos, to put on from the UK.

Sean

[Bluetail]

Hi Sean.

1) "Go Advanced" for your reply
2) To attach a file, click the "Manage Attachments" link in the "Additional Options" box below the reply window
3) Click the "Browse" button and navigate to the file you want to add
4) Click "Add this file" and (this is the important bit) wait until you see its name get added in the yellow box below.
5) You should then be able to repeat this to add further attachments.
6) When you've done, click "All Done".
7) Post your reply.

[Michael W]

Good job! It is a Spotted Sandpiper, and some of you said just why! :clap:

Hey, Michael, can we assume that all photos are shot in/around WA unless you say otherwise?

Yes, I'd say that you can. There might be some from other places but I will say so.
I'm not where I can post the next photo right now. Until then... :bounce:

Michael

[Michael W]

Camouflage!!! See if you can spot the bird (and then identifiy it!). :h?:

Shouldn't be real hard. (Near Portland, OR)

[Katy Penland]

I'm seeing something that has Sora-like plumage, but then I failed every Rorschak test I ever took...

[gthang]

I'll have to say a Dunlin is hidden in the weeds.

[Chigrl]

Ring-neck pheasant?

[IanF]

I'd have to go with RN Pheasant as well.

[Bluetail]

I think it's got to be Ring-necked Pheasant too.

[Larry Lade]

My first thought was Ring-necked Pheasant.

[Michael W]

Nope, it's not a Sora or a Dunlin. It is a Ring-necked Pheasant, though! :h?: Good job! :clap:

The next one was photographed in central Washington last October.

Michael

[Bluetail]

I'm going for juvenile American Tree Sparrow.

[Larry Lade]

Song Sparrow

[erizzo]

I cant deside if its a Song, Lincoln's or a Swamp Sparrow. But I dont think its a Swamp or a Song very much. So I'll go with a Lincoln's. I'm probably wrong but we'll see

[Chigrl]

Song sparrow.

[mattpau]

It certainly looks like a Lincoln's Sparrow to me: the fine eyestripe and buff on the lower part of the face. It would obviously help to see more of the underparts. Sibley says Song Sparrows are out of juvenile plumage by October. Lincoln's is one of my favourite sparrows, mainly because they're scarce and elusive here in the east, especially for me for some reason. Wish I saw more of them - it's always special when I do.

[Grousemore]

Lincoln's for me.

[Michael W]

Erik, Paul, and Trevor were right! :clap: :clap: :clap: Kinda tricky...

Here's another one. Taken here. Shouldn't be real hard if you're familiar with it.

EDIT: Here are the pictures, Larry. Let me know when to delete them.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Olive-sided Flycatcher

[Katy Penland]

I've got to get up earlier! ;) Agree with Andrew, olive-sided. That gray "vest" is distinctive.

[Bluetail]

Agree. Compared to other American flycatchers it looks almost sraightforward (unless it's a trick of the light, but I don't think so). ;)

[Michael W]

Yep, it's an Olive-sided Flycatcher. I was thinking that it might cause a few problems, but no, you guys are just too good.......

This one will be tricky unless you no your female western hummingbirds (oh no, now you know that it's a hummingbird ;)).

Michael

[Michael W]

HINT::::::::::::::::::::::It is found in the Northwest::::::::::::::::::::::HINT

[Bluetail]

Calliope Hummingbird???

[Katy Penland]

Not only is this a female, but it looks like a juvie female to boot, and I think it's a Rufous. I can't quite judge the length of the wingtips to the tail the way she's perched, but Rufous's is shorter while Calliope's reaches the end of the tail. The Rufous is also more ubiquitous than Calliope for Pacific Northwest, the latter of which, per Sibley, isn't found and is "rare" inland of the Cascades.

But I'm, what, 1 for 4 so far in this thread, so don't jump too quickly on *this* bandwagon. :bounce:

[Grousemore]

Rufous for me too...(should improve Katy's average!)

[Larry Lade]

I like Rufous also!

[Katy Penland]

Rufous for me too...(should improve Katy's average!)
Why, thanks Trev! :frog:

:bounce:

[Chigrl]

Costa's Hummingbird. Those are VERY common here.

[Katy Penland]

Costa's Hummingbird. Those are VERY common here.
Not in Washington; fewer than 20 records. Anna's are resident year-round west of the Cascades (coastal) and rare east of the Cascades (inland), Calliope summers east of the Cascades, Black-chinned summers mostly inland but is "rare" west of the Cascades, and Rufous summers everywhere.

Costa's is rare anywhere above San Francisco.

[Michael W]

Jason is the only one who got this one. :clap: Sorry Katy and others. It is a Calliope Hummingbird. I saw some juvenile Rufous's this summer, too, and they are larger, among other differences that are hard to describe. You learn the "jizz" of the birds you see a lot. Some of you just might have to trust me on this... :cool: :brains: :eek!:

If anyone feels strongly about it being a Rufous, feel free to press charges...

Anyway, here's the next one. Shouldn't be hard.

Michael

[craig whitmore]

Jason is the only one who got this one. :clap: Sorry Katy and others. It is a Calliope Hummingbird. I saw some juvenile Rufous's this summer, too, and they are larger, among other differences that are hard to describe. You learn the "jizz" of the birds you see a lot. Some of you just might have to trust me on this... :cool: :brains: :eek!:

If anyone feels strongly about it being a Rufous, feel free to press charges...

Anyway, here's the next one. Shouldn't be hard.

Michael
Miguel;

How about an o.c.warbler?
Craig

[Larry Lade]

I would go for Verdin.

[Bluetail]

Orange-crowned Warbler for me too.

[Katy Penland]

I wanted to say Nashville Warbler at first, but I think this bird is too greenish for that, so I'll go for Orange-crowned as well. (crossing fingers) ;)

[Larry Lade]

I don't know what I was thinking! Must have been one of those "senior moments". Took a quick look and just entered Verdin. (And those are "way down" in the southwest US.)

[Michael W]

Orange-crowned Warbler it is! :clap: Congratulations to Craig, Jason, Katy (now you're 2 in 6! o:) ), and half a point to Larry (I like to think that I'm not a victim of those "senior moments", but that just wouldn't be true...I understand what happened...:flowers:). Notice how the photograph caught the orange crown, a not-often seen field mark that gave it the name Orange-crowned Warbler. :loveme:

Here's another...in Washington again.

Michael

[Bluetail]

I think it's a Song Sparrow. Probably wrong - I'll never get your sparrows sorted.

[Katy Penland]

I'm probably wrong, too (sorry, Jason ;)), but I'll say White-throated Sparrow. Looks like a yellowish supraloral and, even though the light isn't reliable, looks like a black-outlined white throat.

[Grousemore]

Blue-breasted Sparrow....failing which, Savannah Sparrow.

[Grousemore]

I'm probably wrong, too (sorry, Jason ;)), but I'll say White-throated Sparrow. Looks like a yellowish supraloral and, even though the light isn't reliable, looks like a black-outlined white throat.

My chances of being correct are improving ;)

[Bluetail]

Hmm. See what you mean, Katy. Think you might be right... but I've made my call so I'll stay on the bridge and go down with my ship!

[Michael W]

Blue-breasted Sparrow....failing which, Savannah Sparrow.

What's that scientific name? Or did you make it up? ;)

[erizzo]

Just to be diferent and a wild guess I'll say a Swamp Sparrow

[Grousemore]

What's that scientific name? Or did you make it up? ;)

You've rumbled me!....I'll stick with Passerculus sandwichensis.

[Katy Penland]

My chances of being correct are improving ;)
Ouch! :bounce:

[Grousemore]

Ouch! :bounce:

Sorry, Katy, getting the Hummer wrong must have soured my disposition...anyway, 2 out of 6 is not too bad ;)

[Katy Penland]

...anyway, 2 out of 6 is not too bad ;)
Your bookie must love you! 8-P

[Larry Lade]

I took a little more time with this one! I believe that this is a Swamp Sparrow. It is in the correct habitat for a "swampie" too.

[Michael W]

"Swampie" it is! Good job Erik and Larry! :clap: :clap: It was actually a lifer for me when I saw it.

I'll post the rundown of all the scores in a second. But first...

Here's another, photographed yesterday. Might be tricky...might not be...

Cheers! :t:
Michael

[Michael W]

Here's the rundown of each person's scores. A '1' means that you answered correctly, and a '0' means that you didn't. Do you understand? :scribe: Hopefully you can all grasp that... ;)

Andrew Rowlands: 1
Andrew Whitehouse: 111
Brandon (TorchBCT): 11
Chigrl: 0001100
Chris (CJW): 1
Craig Whitmore: 1
Erik (erizzo): 111
Grousemore: 11100
Gthang: 11100
IanF: 1
Jane Turner: 1
Jason (Bluetail): 1111101110
Katy Penland: 101010
Larry Lade: 011110001
Paul (mattpau): 1
Samuel Walker: 01
Sean (Ghostly Vision): 11

So if my tally is correct, Jason is leading with 8 correct guesses and 2 incorrect. And Katy, you're actually 3 for 6. :t: Not at all bad...

Michael

[Michael W]

A photo might help...... :-C

[IanF]

No idea really but I'll guess Blue Jay?

[Larry Lade]

Rather difficult to say, but I do think it is a Corvidae (like IanF suspects). I think it might be a Gray Jay.

[craig whitmore]

A photo might help...... :-C

Yeah The photo did help, ;) especially the pine tree putting the elevation fairly high. I'll go wiith a boreal jay. Tail too long for a pinyon. bill too short for a stellars, too dark for a scrub, my guess is an immature gray.

craig

[Bluetail]

Does look very short billed for a corvid and the head pattern seems right, so I'm going for Gray Jay too.

[erizzo]

Yup that head shape tells me Gray Jay.

[Ghostly Vision]

Looks like an Accipiter to me - those undertail covs and barred primaries - Goshawk?

If not, Cooper's

Sean

[Katy Penland]

Definitely a raptor for the same reasons Sean mentions plus the shortened, deeply curved beak (seen on brightening the pic). My first thought was Cooper's but I just can't see enough detail on the head to be sure. Not that that's stopped me from wild guessing thus far! :bounce: Cooper's or Sharp-shinned. (Goshawk doesn't have the orange barred belly as this bird's showing.)

[Katy Penland]

Katy Penland: 101010
...
And Katy, you're actually 3 for 6. :t: Not at all bad...
Michael
Well, actually, my score's perfect thus far: Perfect binary code! ;)

[craig whitmore]

Gonna change my vote. After seeing Katy's post :flowers: , taught myself how to download and work on the picture. Guessing that the fluffy white undertail coverts suggest this to be a goshawk, am going to climb into Sean's corner. An old (1966) Golden Field Guide shows immature goshawks to have reddish/brown barred breast and belly.

Definitely a raptor for the same reasons Sean mentions plus the shortened, deeply curved beak (seen on brightening the pic). My first thought was Cooper's but I just can't see enough detail on the head to be sure. Not that that's stopped me from wild guessing thus far! :bounce: Cooper's or Sharp-shinned. (Goshawk doesn't have the orange barred belly as this bird's showing.)

[Katy Penland]

Gonna change my vote. After seeing Katy's post :flowers: ,
And "they" say chivalry's dead! ;)


taught myself how to download and work on the picture. Guessing that the fluffy white undertail coverts suggest this to be a goshawk, am going to climb into Sean's corner. An old (1966) Golden Field Guide shows immature goshawks to have reddish/brown barred breast and belly.
Not to try to sway anyone with *my* quite public track record, but fluffy white UTCs are also on Cooper's and Sharpies. Also, juvie Northern Goshawk has brown *streaked* underparts (streaking being vertical, barring being horizontal), and matures are gray barred.

But I do think it quite sensible of you to switch to raptors. :bounce:

[Michael W]

It is a Northern Goshawk. Congratulations to those who figured this one out. :clap:

See this better picture of it before it jumped off the tree:
Northern Goshawk (http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/37599/sort/1/cat/500/page/1)

Another one now, seen in Texas last April.

[Katy Penland]

It is a Northern Goshawk. Congratulations to those who figured this one out. :clap:
I just fired my photo software. Couldn't tell orange from gray barring. :storm:

[Katy Penland]

Buff-breasted Sandpiper?

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Wilson's Phalarope?

[Spede]

Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor

[Bluetail]

Wilson's Phal

[M Cowming]

Another vote for Wilson's Phalarope

[ronni1123]

a duck? :h?:

[Larry Lade]

I believe this is a Wilson's Phalarope beginning to come into alternate (breeding) plumage.

[Michael W]

Wilson's Phalarope is correct! :clap: :clap: Sorry Katy......... :flowers: ;)

Do any of you love eclipsed plumage ducks as much as I do? (:eek!:) If so, or if not, here is another one for you!

Michael

P.S. It's great to see some new members joining! :t:

[Larry Lade]

Look like Northern Pintail to me.

[M Cowming]

2 votes for Pintail

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Pintail from me as well.

[Bluetail]

Can't think what else it might be. Pintail.

[erizzo]

Pintail for me too

[Michael W]

All five of you were absolutely correct!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: Not too hard after all...

Ready for the next one?

[Ben Rackstraw]

Look like Grey Partridges...

...Where were these taken then?! Still looking for GPs in UK this year :-C

[Bluetail]

Oh dear. I've no experience of American game birds at all. Had to pore over my Sibley for this and still not sure, but I think Ben's got to be right - Grey Partridges.

[M Cowming]

They look like Grey Partridge to me also.

[Klant]

I'll be in on the grey partridge vote...

[Larry Lade]

OK, I'll "jump on the band wagon", Gray Partridge.

[Grousemore]

I'll go for Gray Partridge (and hope that Michael disallows the Grey guesses!)

[Larry Lade]

Trevor, are you becoming "americanized" or is it "when in Rome, do as the Romans do"?

[Grousemore]

Trevor, are you becoming "americanized" or is it "when in Rome, do as the Romans do"?
Hi Larry, more a question of "Americanised" ;) ...but really no more than a cheap attempt to improve my position on Michael's scorecard!

[craig whitmore]

Lets try sharp tailed grouse.

[erizzo]

Its gotta be a Gray Partridge.

[Katy Penland]

I'm going for Blue Grouse. Only because I can't believe I missed the Pintail because I was erranding and shopping all day. And because these birds look too long- and slender-necked to be Gray Partridge. And because I also now can't bear the thought of being right for a pleasant change. ;)

[Chigrl]

Ptarmigans. Kindof blurry, but that's my guess :)

[Ghostly Vision]

Can I just say at this point that the Wilson's phal was easy, as were the Pintails - so can I have two extra points please, because I don't look at BF often enough to get in first each time?

The last one is Grey Partridges, without a doubt.

Sean

[Andrew Rowlands]

Perdix perdix with that head pattern and a pointy tail?? Na - Sharp-tailed for me!

Andy.

[lou salomon]

Perdix perdix with that head pattern and a pointy tail?? Na - Sharp-tailed for me!
.
They are in a hurry, trying not to be photographed, that's why, Andy.
I also go for Perdix perdix

Lou

[Michael W]

Gray Partridge is correct! :clap: I wish they were Sharp-tailed's...... :'D

Here's another one...

BTW, if I don't check in for a while, it is because I am trying (again) to conquer my addiction to Birdforum... :eek!:

[Bluetail]

Pine Grosbeak

[lou salomon]

yeah, Pinicola e.
Lou

[craig whitmore]

yeah, Pinicola e.
Lou

Also go with pine grosbeak. When I blew this up 300% and ajusted the contrast to see if this were a female, or imm. male, looks like someone fudged the color on the rump and neck. You wouldn't do that would you Michael? On the other hand at that mag, the pine needles had some red and blue in them. Possibly either Adobe or operator error.
Craig :eat:

[M Cowming]

Agreed.... Pine Grosbeak

[craig whitmore]

[QUOTE=Michael W]Gray Partridge is correct! :clap: I wish they were Sharp-tailed's...... :'D

Here's another one...

But Michael why did you leave out the pear tree.

[Michael W]

[QUOTE=Michael W]Gray Partridge is correct! :clap: I wish they were Sharp-tailed's...... :'D

Here's another one...

But Michael why did you leave out the pear tree.

Sorry, I'll remember next time... ;)

[Michael W]

[QUOTE=craig whitmore]When I blew this up 300% and ajusted the contrast to see if this were a female, or imm. male, looks like someone fudged the color on the rump and neck. You wouldn't do that would you Michael?QUOTE]

Of course not! Everything is the orginal color. What color does it look like when you blow it up?

[Michael W]

Pine Grosbeak it is. I'll be posting a couple *better* shots in the gallery in the near future.

Any more sparrows, anyone? :bounce: We'll, here one is, whether or not you want it... :eek!:

Michael

[erizzo]

looks like a Savannah Sparrow. But I wouldnt think its so easy.

[Bluetail]

I wasn't going to do this one since I always get sparrows wrong. However, it doesn't look like Song Sparrow and it seems too streaked for Lincoln's. Don't think it's Vesper. Savannah seems a good call. Bet it isn't, though. ;)

[Larry Lade]

It looks more like a Savannah Sparrow than any of the other sparrows I can think of.

[craig whitmore]

Joining the savannah group

Michael, yesterday you mentioned BF addiction. New here, but already getting withdrawal symptoms when I go to bed at night :egghead:

[Ghostly Vision]

Yes, Savannah for me too.

ps can you add me a point for the Pine Grosbeak that I would hve got?

Thanks

Sean

[gthang]

not clicking the thumbnail, I assumed gray-crowned rosy-finch...

Field Sparrow, perhaps?

[prairiemerlin]

Yes, it is a Savannah Sparrow.

[Dimitris]

I think it's a RN Pheasant as well,the photo,I think,shows the shoulder area...

[Michael W]

I'm back again. ;)

This one was a Savanna Sparrow. :clap:

Another one now; may be kinda tricky. I'm not quite sure that it is identifiable from the photo, so take your best guess...

Sean, if I ever catch up on the scoreboard, I'll give you 3 more points for what you've missed. ;)

[Larry Lade]

I will go with Swainson's Thrush.

Even though, the eye ring should be a little more distinctive and I do not see the buffy face (could be the lighting?). I think the Gray-cheeked would show darker, more distinct breast spots (per Sibley).

Also, it look like the Swainson's would be the more commonly encountered species of thrush in your area (excepting the Hermit Thrush).

[Katy Penland]

Don't know if I can still play since I"ve missed so many the past few days, but I'll go for Swainson's Thrush.

EDIT: LOL! That's what I get for stepping away from my computer to refill the wine glass and not hitting "refresh" before replying! So I'll amend mine to say I agree with Larry. ;)

[maitreya]

Hermit Thrush.

[Bluetail]

Swainson's for me.

[mattpau]

Looks like Hermit to me. Swainson's should show fairly prominent buff "spectacles", not just an eyering. Also this bird seems plump to me.

[Ghostly Vision]

.....but wouldn't the breast spots be more distinctive and blacker in Hermit thrush?

As such, I would have gone for Swainson's; however, the pale base to the lower mandible doesn't seem extensive enough, and seems to match........

Bicknell's thrush.

I remember a bird that turned up on Scilly, England in 1986 that was identified as Swainson's, then Gray-cheeked, then it turned out to be a Bicknell's - which of course is a kind of intermediate between the two. Depressingly, our national rarities committee has never accepted it as such.

Sean

[Grousemore]

Another one now; may be kinda tricky. I'm not quite sure that it is identifiable from the photo, so take your best guess...



If you're not sure, what chance have we got ;)

Best guess, Swainson's.

[mattpau]

.....but wouldn't the breast spots be more distinctive and blacker in Hermit thrush?

As such, I would have gone for Swainson's; however, the pale base to the lower mandible doesn't seem extensive enough, and seems to match........

Bicknell's thrush.

I remember a bird that turned up on Scilly, England in 1986 that was identified as Swainson's, then Gray-cheeked, then it turned out to be a Bicknell's - which of course is a kind of intermediate between the two. Depressingly, our national rarities committee has never accepted it as such.

Sean

To me the spots do look quite bold and black - another reason I went for Hermit. Here in Ottawa, it can be tempting to be lazy and "identify" Catharus by the situation - early Spring/late fall migrant, Hermit; late Spring/early fall migrant - check for buffy spectacles (which they almost always have), Swainson's, if not Grey-cheek (but it's very scarce here). Breeders are mostly Hermits. This year, however, after another less than satisfactory look at a Catharus, I promised myself that I had to learn to recognize them by facial/breast pattern. As Catharus can be quite shy and elusive, one often doesn't get to see the tail for positive Hermit ID. But I'll admit that this is still a work in progress for me!

By the way, Michael said that unless he stated otherwise we could assume the birds were from Washington state, which would tend to rule out Grey-cheek, except as a vagrant. And Bicknell's may have a better chance of showing up in Britain!

[Larry Lade]

I am relatively familiar with Wood, Swainson's, Gray-cheeked, Hermit Thrushes and Veery as I see quite a few each year (excepting the Veery, only occasionally seen). The Wood Thrush is the most commonly encountered of these thrushes here in Missouri as it is a local breeder. All the others only migrate through our area. During their migrations we get the SWTH, GCTH and HETH stopping even in our yard. The Veery is the least seen here. (Bicknell's would not normally be in either Missouri or Washington, as it is a bird of the northeastern US.) I do not think that the bird is a hybrid, as I think hybridization would be extremely rare (if it occurs at all).

Your photo, to me, seems to show some of the characteristics for SWTH, some for GCTH and even some for the HETH. Perhaps this is due to the lighting at the time or other factors when the photo was taken. For the reasons mentioned in my other post I am content to stay with SWAINSON'S THRUSH.

[Michael W]

Hi guys,

I originally identified this guy during autumn migration by call as a Hermit Thrush. The only feature that I use is the tail coloration, so I have gotten a bunch of helpful hints through your comments. :clap: I'm fairly confident about my identification, but not completely. Thanks! Sorry if I upset anyone by using a not-quite-identifiable photo...

Another one now.

[maitreya]

American Tree Sparrow.

[mattpau]

Don't think this one will cause a lot of controversy!

[erizzo]

American Tree Sparrow for me too

[Katy Penland]

Yeah, that bi-colored bill certainly narrowed the field. ;) Am Tree Sparrow for me, too.

[Bluetail]

Yep. Can't disagree.

[gthang]

Am. Tree Sparrow here too!

[Ghostly Vision]

I'm with the others

Sean

[Grousemore]

Me too, an easy point for once!

[craig whitmore]

Go along with AMTS.

Got in too late to misidentify the Hermit as a Veery which would have been my choice. Had a Hermit in hand a couple of weeks ago. (window kill or cat?--laying right at my front step). Breast spots were much darker than Michael's picture, almost making stripes, but I was handicaped as dead birds seldom sing. Anyway I was wrong once before, 1986 I think.

Craig

[Larry Lade]

Pretty straight forward, American Tree Sparrow.

[lou salomon]

same

Lou

[Michael W]

I guess that was unanimous! No controversy whatsoever! :clap: :clap:

Too easy, I guess... ;)


Another, in Florida. Should be easy, too. I'm running out of photos...

[Bluetail]

I don't have any experience of grackles other than Common, but I guess this has to be Boat-tailed.

[Larry Lade]

Boat-tailed Grackle.

[Michael W]

You two are correct. :clap: Female Boat-tailed Grackle.

This one is in Arizona.

[cuckooroller]

Zenaida asiatica mearnsi

[erizzo]

I agree with white winged dove

[craig whitmore]

You two are correct. :clap: Female Boat-tailed Grackle.

This one is in Arizona.

Lets try Band-Tailed Pigeon.

Craig

[Larry Lade]

White-winged Dove.

[lou salomon]

i also go for white-winged. definetely it is a streptopelia

[Bluetail]

Certainly looks like a streptopelia to me too and the undertail pattern seems to fit White-winged Dove best.

[Michael W]

White-winged Dove it is! :t:

This one is in Texas.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Bronzed Cowbird

[Larry Lade]

Bronzed Cowbird, sounds good to me too.

[Bluetail]

Yep. If you lighten the picture enough you can see the red eye. ;)

[craig whitmore]

Yep. If you lighten the picture enough you can see the red eye. ;)
Yep. Yep. also change the contrast and pick up "bluish iridescence" in the wing.
craig

[erizzo]

I agree

[Michael W]

Good job -- Bronzed Cowbird is correct. :clap:

Try this one...

[Bluetail]

Hmm... Toss a coin... I'll go for Pectoral Sandpiper.

[craig whitmore]

Good job -- Bronzed Cowbird is correct. :clap:

Try this one...
:h?: Not sure what I'm doing in here with all the big boys, but will try anyway.
Shells among the rocks put this at a rocky beach. WW2 Corsair wing indicate gull or tern. Tail rules out tern. Best guess 2nd year Herring Gull
Craig

[Grousemore]

Pectoral Sandpiper for me too.

[Tim100]

Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper

[Michael W]

Good job Pectoral Sandpiper! I don't know if it's destinguishable from Sharp-tailed in flight like this, sorry... I really wish it was a Sharp-tailed!

Here's a photo of it on the ground...
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/35280/sort/1/cat/500/page/1


Another one now, also in the Puget Sound of Washington.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Western Gull - around 2nd winter

[Larry Lade]

Gulls! They are tough! Just to be different, I will say California Gull.

[TorchBCT]

Just past first winter Herring Gull, maybe perhaps........

[Bluetail]

2nd-winter Western Gull for me.

[erizzo]

I'll go with Western

[Michael W]

Would it help if I said that the bill color would help (if you can see it)?

The wing pattern doesn't match Sibley for the species, either.

Y'all can guess again if you want.........

[craig whitmore]

[QUOTE=Michael W]Would it help if I said that the bill color would help (if you can see it)?

Sure Did, Brighten that up and catch spot of red. My 1990 Peterson says "Heermans is easiest western gull to identify". Picture shows white rump, black tail with white tip, white trailig edge of wing. So does yours.
With apologies to My Fair Lady---Do Believe I've got it, Do believe I've got it

Heermans

Craig

[lou salomon]

3rd winter Heermann's?

[TorchBCT]

I was going to say Heerman's but my Sibley's didn't show this white rump I guess its between 2nd and 3rd winter.

[lou salomon]

I was going to say Heerman's but my Sibley's didn't show this white rump I guess its between 2nd and 3rd winter.
Heermann's actually show a light grey rump, very clear cut to dark tail. the uniform coloured upperwing with distinct white trailing edge also match this species but I might be wrong.
Lou

[Michael W]

Heerman's Gull is correct! :clap:

Try identifying this next one WITHOUT USING PHOTOSHOP or other software. It is really easy to lighten up, but really try doing it by sillhuette (I nevur remmember hou too spel that).

[k-bird]

House Finch (female)

[Larry Lade]

I think it is probably a House Finch.

[craig whitmore]

[My daughter in law correctly identified it as "little brown bird"

Currently have 40-60 pine siskens in the yard with that silhouette

Craig
Edit
I cheated and know it's not a siskin. Since I cheated I'll forfit and just go with little brown bird.

Craig

[lou salomon]

I go with House Finch, too
Lou

[gthang]

I'll deviate from the norm and go with Purple Finch

[Grousemore]

I'll deviate from the norm and go with Purple Finch

You could well be the expert at ID'ing from these sort of photos, Gthang, but nevertheless I'll go with the House Finch contingent.

[Michael W]

It's a male House Finch in song. :clap: Thank's for trying it without Photoshop! ;)

Another now......in northern Idaho. Might be tricky.....but I bet someone'll get the family at least. I don't know if it can be identified to species, but we'll see....

[Bird_Feak1]

Yes!!! I'm finely going to be first person to answer one of these!
And my guess is.....Red-necked Grebe.
Tim

[lou salomon]

It's a male House Finch in song. :clap: Thank's for trying it without Photoshop! ;)

Another now......in northern Idaho. Might be tricky.....but I bet someone'll get the family at least. I don't know if it can be identified to species, but we'll see....

Horned Greebe chick. Hm.
Lou

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I think it's either Clark's or Western Grebe. I'll stick my neck out and say Clark's.

[Larry Lade]

Yes, definitely a grebe! Just to be different, I will say Pied-billed Grebe. I have not seen that many immature/juvenile grebes and "goggling" produced a "mind boggling" array of photos/pictures of grebes (most of which were of adult birds). My various field guides do not always show immature/juvenile plumages. So "who you gonna call"?

Michael do you know for certain which species it is?

[Michael W]

Michael do you know for certain which species it is?

Yes. ;) Good job Tim! :clap:

I'll post another photo sometime within the week...