Even newer mystery Bird Quiz

[Ghostly Vision]

Five photos of five species.

One quiz - one piece of advice; give themn all a second look before guessing....

Two clues; 1.they are all birds 2. they were all taekn by me. (Don't want to make it too easy).

Enjoy!


Sean

[Jane Turner]

Oh my.. these are corkers..... will have to think!

[Ghostly Vision]

Oh my.. these are corkers..... will have to think!


You, Jane? If you think they are hard, then they really must be. I actually thought they were quite easy this time.

By the way, it is Harry that is the Corker on this forum....

Will be back later to check progress............


Sean

[Harry Hussey]

1)Will go with Common Tern
2)Little Stint?
3)Female-type Garganey
4) Seems to be cinnamon tones to the undertail...Isabelline Shrike?
5)Lapland Bunting

Harry

[Jane Turner]

1. common Tern
2 I have loads of candidates for what it isn't.. but none for what it is... those anchor marks look really distinctive, but I can't even settle on a genus!
3 eek a Duck... Blue-winged Teal... ugh
4. Well its Great or Southern Grey... will go for latter but its guesswork
5. Bunting spp.. its got white wing bars that should rule out Reed and hasn't got the rusty flanks of a Rustic... I'm guessing you haven't got pics of Yellow-browed Bunting! So Lapper.. but don't like the legs much..

not confident

[Jane Turner]

and I'll have a lash for Temminck's Stint.. though quite what it is doing that deep in the water I don't rightly know.

Harry could well be right with the Duck... I dithered for a bit then picked BWT on dull face

[Jane Turner]

as I said before.. officially stumped! Can't think of a wader that has that scap pattern.... trying to decide if apparent mantly lines are an artefact!

[James Lowther]

1) a tern
2) if Jane doesn't know it i've got no chance
3) garganey!!!!!!!!! (this is the only one i would venture a species on, and is probably wrong
4) 'grey' shrike (although maybe red-backed/isabelline)
5) LBJ

honest first impressions were roseate tern, little stint, garganey, great grey shrike and reed bunting

James

[Tim100]

1 Roseate tern
2 Baird’s Sandpiper
3 Garganey
4 Red Backed Shrike
5 Lapland Bunting

One of these must be right...

[Harry Hussey]

Hi Sean,
No.2 may well be a juv Stilt Sandpiper, think I can make out some warm tones on what's visible from the ear coverts and the coverts etc look odd for Little Stint on reflection.
Harry

[CJW]

1) Common Tern
2) Curlew Sandpiper
3) Garganey
4) Great Grey Shrike
5) Lapland Bunting

[Jane Turner]

To help or further confuse everyone.. here is a close up of the feather patterns on ~that~ wader...

Still have no idea what it is! Semi P looked good till it failed to have a contrasty cap!

[Jane Turner]

Curlew sand was my instinctive guess Chris.. but where ddi the head pattern go?

[lou salomon]

1. Common Tern
2. Calidris ssp - from odd Little Stint over Least Sand to Stilt Sand
3. Blue Winged Teal (first look: Garganey, but it hasn't any white ABOVE the eye)
4. Southern Great Grey S. (with very white underparts...?)
5. Lappland Bunting

[Andrew Whitehouse]

1. Common Tern
2. Little Stint
3. Garganey
4. Great Grey Shrike
5. Little Bunting

Not confident

[Brian Stone]

I shouldn't worry too much about head pattern on Curlew Sand from this angle. These two shots are of the same bird. From directly behind the head looks plain. The mystery wader looks OK for juv Curlew Sand to me.

[Brian Stone]

After taking the recommended second look I'll go with the following (initial thoughs before looking at anything else in brackets):

1. Common Tern (Common Tern)
2. Curlew Sandpiper (err...)
3. Garganey (Garganey)
4. Great Grey Shrike (Great/Southern GS)
5. Lapland Bunting (Lapland Bunting)

[Ghostly Vision]

Today's winners are...................

No - I'll let you all decide for yourselves.

Here are today's answers.

It is fascinating to watch people talk themselves in and out of identifications - just like it is in the field sometimes!!

The next lot will be along in a little while......

Sean

[marek_walford]

Come on, play fair! If somebody gets them alright I'll be very impressed!

1. Common Tern
2. Bairds Sandpiper
3. Garganey
4. Great Grey Shrike
5. Lapland Bunting

[CJW]

Come on, play fair! If somebody gets them alright I'll be very impressed!


See post #11

[Tim100]

2 now looks like a curlew sandpiper but the mystery picture had definite pattern of Baird's.

[Allen]

Gonna try this without reference to any books so don't laugh!!! :-)

1) Roseate Tern
2) Dunlin
3) Shoveler
4) Red Backed Shrike
5) Lapland Bunting

[Allen]

1 out of 5 - back to the books again!!!!!

[Ghostly Vision]

See post #11


Well done Chris - inspired fieldcraft!!

Also to Brian.

Sorry, everyone else, they did turn out to be tougher than previous ones, somehow.

Answers were indeed

1. Common Tern (pink reflected from buoy below giving it a Roseate appearance)
2. Curlew sand juv
3. Garganey, ad f
4. Great Grey shrike, poss 1w (the bird showed some scalloping on the flanks in life, photo taken in January)
5. Lapland bunting, winter. (One especially for Harry). ;)

Right then, since those were so hard, some easy ones to leave you with for the evening. I will be back tomorrow to mark the contestants.

Remember, the prize of a free night out with Tim Allwood and Tom McKinney, is still up for grabs..................but you can still post your guesses anyway

;)

[Ghostly Vision]

............And we'll have less playing about with Photoshop before guessing this time!!!!!

Sean

[Andrew Whitehouse]

1. Kittiwake
2. Bonaparte's Gull
3. Brambling
4. ???????????
5. Solitary Sandpiper

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Actually I'll say Eider for number 4. As good a guess as any I'll manage.

[Jane Turner]

Its a Goldeneye I think Andrew..... can't for the life of me how to rule out Green Sandpiper on the last one

Well done Chris!

[edenwatcher]

I think goldeneye too, but I still can't quite work out what's going on.
I was thinking green sand for the last one.

Rob

[Tim100]

1 – Kittiwake
2 – Ring Billed Gull
3 – Reed Bunting
4 – Bewick’s Swan
5 - Greenshank

[M Cowming]

Kittiwake
Bonaparte's Gull
Brambling
Goldeneye
Green Sandpiper

[Brian Stone]

First glance:
1. Little Gull
2. Bonaparte's Gull
3. Brambling
4. Bewick's/Whooper Swan
5. Green/Solitary Sandpiper

Might take a closer look if I get time.

Edit: Kittiwake much better call for 1.

[Tim100]

I think goldeneye too, but I still can't quite work out what's going on.
I was thinking green sand for the last one.

Rob

Thought Goldeneye was too obvious as it is famous for that action but it is.

We are looking at it from front on. That bit poking up in the air is its bill. The white part is its cheek.

[Ghostly Vision]

ANNOUNCEMENT:

New Quiz rules.

1. Two guesses per species not allowed at the same time.
2. Reason has to be given for each answer
3. Playing in Photoshop banned (I'll come round and check!!!)
4. There is no rule four.
5. I am not allowed to get too serious, as it is only for fun
6. The answers will be posted in the morning.


See you then

Sean

[Brian Stone]

Not playing then! ;)

Not really taking two guesses just saying I don't know for now without looking closer (and playing in photoshop).

[Ghostly Vision]

Not playing then! ;)

Not really taking two guesses just saying I don't know for now without looking closer (and playing in photoshop).


That's it - I'm coming round...........

Sean

[Youngbirder18]

1) Kittiwake
2)Black-headed Gull
3)Brambling
4)Goldeneye
5)Green Sandpiper

Marc

[dendroica]

1)Kittiwake
2)Bonaparte's Gull
3)Brambling
4)Goldeneye
5)Solitary Sandpiper

My first post here after finally getting round to recovering my password...please be gentle!!

[Tim Allwood]

Remember, the prize of a free night out with Tim Allwood and Tom McKinney, is still up for grabs..................but you can still post your guesses anyway

;)

any takers for a night with Tim n Tom had better get some insurance then..... B (: B (: :eek!:

[Tim Allwood]

Kittiwake
Boney's Gull - grey nape
Brambling
Goldeneye
Green Sand - on billshape and heavier build

[lou salomon]

1. Little Gull (what's it doing there in the meadow?)
2. Black-headed (are you teasing us or is it a Bonaparte indeed???)
3. Brambling
4. Goldeneye (what's that yellow patch???)
5. Solitary Sandpiper (if it is Green, I'll be p***ed)
Lou

[lou salomon]

1. Little Gull (what's it doing there in the meadow?)

OUU, of course it is Kittiwake! and not Little...
Lou

[Dimitris]

1 bonapartes gull
2 black headed gull
3 brambling
4 surf scotter???
5 green sandpiper

[Dimitris]

1 kittiwake(only juv that fits the pic)
2 bonapartes gull(darker then Black headed I think)

[Dimitris]

Actually the only thing I can see in pic.4 is an ice berg and a black smudge...

[James Eaton]

1, Kittiwake
2, Bonapartes Gull
3, Brambling
4, Goldeneye,
5, Solitary Sandpiper

Sean, I trust these were all taken in Derbyshire? I'll take an evening with Tom, last time I went for a drink with Tim, we managed to sit next to a drunk, fat, scouser girl and her husband (who couldn't stop showing us his video phone) in London, what a combination.

[Jules Sykes]

1. Kit
2. Bonaparte's
3. Brambling
4. Tystie
5. Green Sand
Tim who's paying for the beers?

[Ghostly Vision]

Here we got then with the answers.

Only have one pic of the first, so will reveal that it is in fact a Kittiwake, juv. Photo taken on a playing filed near Plymouth just after watching the Ross's gull a couple of years ago. The habitat didn't throw many.

For the rest, the answer pics are below.

More later.

Sean

ps. Where's Tom?
pps. James - Careful what you say about "scouse" women - you'll have Jane after you! :frog:
ppps. Tim - as quizmeister, I feel I should be the first to take the free beer from you.

[Tim Allwood]

you can have a beer any time you're over in Norfolk or Norwich Sean...and if i ever get back down your way Jules I'll buy you a San Miguel or Cruzcampo too B (:

is that a Green sand then?

atb
Tim

[Tim100]

ppps. Tim - as quizmeister, I feel I should be the first to take the free beer from you.

Why? Did my answers seem like I had been drinking too much?

Goldeneye did look a bit like a swan and greenshank was my instinctive response.

[James Eaton]

Is that a Green Sand then?

I reckon so Tim! Looks like its just you and Tom going out. Isurance will be required

[Tim100]

Oh sorry you are talking to the other Tim Ghostly. My mistake.

[Tim Allwood]

anyway James

last time i saw you in a pub you didn't bring any beer money....I know you like saving for those foreign trips but Bintang is cheap enough

I get you and the boy Hutchinson one sometime, hopefully you can buy me a Bintang or ten when our paths cross in foreign climes one day...

they put formaldehyde in it you know, and it makes your vomit very frothy...

yours in good taste
Tim

[Ghostly Vision]

1.Kittiwake
2.Bonaparte's gull, ad W (Cornwall, Feb 2002)
3. Brambling, Cannock Chase, Staffs, winter 03
4.Goldeneye, m, DERBYSHIRE (Dove Valley Lake), winter. The yellow bit is it's golden eye!
5. Green Sand, Egginton SF, Derbys, spring 03.

First person to get the full five - M Cowning. :clap:

Ireland won the second round, The Isle of Man the first. But well done all.

More later

Sean

[CJW]

is that a Green sand then?


Good grief Tim!
And where's my Norfolk gen?

[Tim Allwood]

Watcha Wormwell

I got em all right mate...

Norfolk gen.....will PM with current situation tonight i hope

[Ghostly Vision]

At the end of the first two rounds, CJW answered all five correctly, at first guess, 1hr and 1min after the pics were posted, on the first round.

The second proved more difficult, with M Cowning getting them all correct, again first guess, after 3hr 18min.

Here is round three. If we continue to have quick solutions, they will get HARD!!!

Have a go - don't be shy. The prize this time is a weeks Yoga class with Jane "bendy" Turner. ;)

All photos taken in the UK, but all countries should have a go.....

Good luck.


Sean

ps - if anyone is enjoying these still, or indeed getting completely bored, could you rate this thread? Then I'll know when to stop.

[Tim Allwood]

Little Stint
Linnet
Wapit
Pec.
Spot Fly

[Ghostly Vision]

....At least one wrong Timmmeee

S

[Ghostly Vision]

Little Stint
Linnet
Wapit
Pec.
Spot Fly


....That's a good trick - your fourth answer had a Question mark in it when I first looked!! That's why I said you had at least one wrong!!

S

[Tim Allwood]

no 4 wrong i guess.....could even be a bloody duck or summat

ok then i stick with Pec!!!

[Darren Oakley-Martin]

Hi all,

For the benefit of the inexperienced, could you please explain why no.3 isn't a Tree Pipit?

New to this, but I won't learn if I don't ask!

Thanks,

[Andrew Whitehouse]

1. Little Stint
2. Linnet
3. Rock Pipit littoralis
4. Purple Sandpiper in breeding plumage
5. A very juvvy Spotted Fly

Do I have to give reasons? Good God I don't need a reason (to quote Fugazi).

[Ghostly Vision]

Hi all,

For the benefit of the inexperienced, could you please explain why no.3 isn't a Tree Pipit?

New to this, but I won't learn if I don't ask!

Thanks,


Hi Darren,

The answers will be posted, as before with revealing pictures, when someone has got them all correct and I can see people are in pain. Hopefully, those guessing will explain why they give an answer that they do, (as previously requested by the quizmeister), thereby helping the inexperienced to learn the id pointers for the difficult species.

Until then, no clues from me personally - it just wouldn't be fair!!

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

By the way, Ben - I know you are watching!! Have you gone shy on me? Is it the thought of all that Merseyside yoga?

In the case of one of these birds, reasons for your choice would be MOST instructive....

Sean

[CJW]

Little Stint
Linnet
Mipit
Pec.
Spot Fly

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Sean - I think if I put reasons up it'll probably confuse everyone even more! Still, I'll have a go:

1. Looks like a breeding plumaged bird, judging by the rather brownish/rufous tone to the upperparts and head markings. The split supercillium is a good indicator for Little Stint and the bill shape (short, slightly decurved) seems to fit. Not certain though.
2. The cinnamon toned upperparts contrasting with the grey-brown head is very good indicator for Linnet
3. I went for Scandi Rockit on this one because it has a somewhat 'vinaceous' tone to the underparts and rather extensive thick dark streaks. Not absolutely certain I can rule out Water Pipit though
4. This is a tricky one. It's funny how hard waders are when you can't see their bill. The legs look dark olive rather than black, which made me think of a breeding plumage Purple Sand. The plumage seems okay for this but I'm not at all certain.
5. I IDed this mostly on shape and stance. Perched very upright like a flycatcher and looks to square-headed and elongated for Pied. Apart from the wierd juvenile plumage it looks okay for Spotted Fly.

[Ghostly Vision]

I'm waiting for my new friend Harry H to come online so he can have a go without clues....

Thanks Andrew - perfectly put.

Back later to see how you are all getting on

Sean

[Tim100]

1 – Little stint. Reason: shape and size looks right. White band above eye. Speckly forehead. Distinguished from other sandpipers because of bill.

2 – Dunnock. Grey head. Brown back. Hint of black tail.

3 – Tree Pipit. I’m sure it’s a pipit and meadow looks too dark.

4 – Whimbrel. Too small for a curlew. Not really convinced with this answer.

5 – Spotted Flycatcher juv. No other idea for this at all.

[jurek]

It took me some time to catch this thread :)

1. Little stint - because looks like broad-billed
2. Linnet - just obvious
3. Water pipit - could also be littoralis, agreed.
4. White-rumped Sandpiper - because I don't know how this one looks like and don't want to bother with google.
5. Spotted Flycatcher - can't fit anything else

[Harry Hussey]

Hi Sean,
Cue me making a complete fool of myself....

1)Little Stint: the split supercilium, apparent bill length etc would point towards this, though it's hard to be sure

2)Linnet, probably a female or immature

3)I would go for Rock Pipit on this one, possibly littoralis. Seems too buffish below for Water, and the relatively blurred flank streaking would favour Rock over Meadow, though that's a surprisingly tough call from what's visible here!

4)On reflection, and bearing in mind that I've never seen one in this plumage, I would go for an adult summer Purple Sandpiper, as it looks a bit off for an adult Pectoral Sandpiper and isn't a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.

5)A juv flycatcher, and I would favour Spotted.

Harry

[Ghostly Vision]

One bird has not been identified correctly by anyone.

The most correct answers by anyone is four.

Only ONE bird has been correctly identified by everyone!!

Sean

Goodness, I feel like a right b@st@rd now - trouble is, everyone was getting them correct too quickly!!!!

[Tim100]

One bird has not been identified correctly by anyone.

The most correct answers by anyone is four.

Only ONE bird has been correctly identified by everyone!!



This means that either little stint or spotted flycatcher is wrong which also means someone has numbers 2, 3 and 4 correct.

[Harry Hussey]

Hi Sean,
One bird has not been identified correctly by anyone.
That must be either of the waders, then: while I may be wrong with the pipit myself, there have been guesses for Rock, Water, Tree and Meadow: can't see it not being one of those four....

Only ONE bird has been correctly identified by everyone!!
Again, logic dictates that this has to be No.1 or No.5, as every other bird has been identified as at least two different species. My money would be on No.5


Harry

[Harry Hussey]

Hi all,
Just a thought, but could No.1 be a Baird's Sandpiper...?
Harry

[Tim100]

I'm pretty certain number 1 is little stint so I will go for...

5 - Nightingale

[Jane Turner]

Late to the party here....

Ah
1 Made me think Least Sand on the bill shape and stance so for the sake of variety I will stick there though I wish i could see pale legs!
2 IS a linnet
3. I thought was Rock Pipit prob Scandi
4 Looks likw Summer Purp - but again I wish I could see some yellow in the legs
5. Spotted Fly

[James Lowther]

little stint
linnet
rock pipit
dunlin
spot fly

[Binocularface]

Ok, time for me to make an arse of myself!

1)Little Stint
2)Linnet
3)Rock Pipit
4)Purple Sandpiper
5)Redstart

Ho hum!
Tristan

[CJW]

Listen you lot, if that's a Rock Pipit I'll show my ar$e in Woolworth's window.
I like Tris' Redstart suggestion (something very suspicious about the cropping of the shot).
So:
little stint
linnet
Mipit
Pec.
Redstart

[Ghostly Vision]

Listen you lot, if that's a Rock Pipit I'll show my ar$e in Woolworth's window.
I like Tris' Redstart suggestion (something very suspicious about the cropping of the shot).



Nice one, Chris - maybe we could have that as the prize for the next quiz.....?

The last picture is not cropped - the bird just happened to be sitting slightly out of the shot when I pressed the shutter release....

It seems this round is all about the legs...............??

Sean

[edenwatcher]

How about least sand for number 4? There doesn't seem to be much room for beak behind that stone!

Rob

[Binocularface]

Ok second try:

1) Least Sandpiper
2) Linnet
3) Rock Pipit
4) Pectoral Sandpiper (not convinced about this one)
5) Spotted Flycatcher

Ho hum diddly doo
Tristan

[Binocularface]

Listen you lot, if that's a Rock Pipit I'll show my ar$e in Woolworth's window.
I guess there is some consolation in that CJW does not know his arse from his elbow ;)

[CJW]

I guess there is some consolation in that CJW does not know his arse from his elbow ;)
:clap:

Either way, Woolworth's won't be getting a visit from me anytime soon.

[Tim Allwood]

with u on the rockit Chris

wassup people?

[Jane Turner]

with u on the rockit Chris

wassup people?

Except you disagree on the species ;)

[CJW]

with u on the rockit Chris

wassup people?
NOR is it a Wapit, Tim!

[Darren Oakley-Martin]

Ok, after writing notes then consulting books..........

1) No idea......Little Stint, (from book)
2) Linnet, (first impression, can't see it as anything else)
3) Tree Pipit, (can't see why it's not)
4) No idea........Dunlin? (from book again)
5) Spotted flycatcher, (first imp. again).

cue- mass hysteria!

[Ghostly Vision]

This little baby is going to go on and on, unless..........

Two people have currently scored four out of five.
All birds have been identified correctly at some point.
Jane got three out of five.

I'nt it exciting?

[lou salomon]

joining late into this mass hysteria:
1 - Least Sand (because it looked like Broad billed to me also)
2 - Linnet, fem
3 - Tree Pipit (first imp. was Wapit)
4 - Purple Sand (back and leg colour look OK for breeding plumage + habitat)
5 - Spotted Flycatcher

[M Cowming]

Little Stint
Linnet
Rock Pipit
Baird's Sandpiper
Spotted flycatcher

[Jules Sykes]

1. Least Sand
2. Linnet
3. Tree Pipit
4. Pec Sand
5. Spot Fly
Haven't even looked at the pictures sorry!!!

[Darren Oakley-Martin]

Hi all,

For the benefit of the inexperienced, could you please explain why no.3 isn't a Tree Pipit?

New to this, but I won't learn if I don't ask!

Thanks,
I'm hoping SOMEONE will be able to answer this question later! I can hardly make it out as littoralis. Greatly perplexed!!

This is a great thread Sean, learning loads here.

[Jane Turner]

I'm hoping SOMEONE will be able to answer this question later! I can hardly make it out as littoralis. Greatly perplexed!!

This is a great thread Sean, learning loads here.

Can't see anyone wanting the opportunity to make a fool of themselves like that Darren. Oh go on then...

I plumped for Scani Rock rather unwillingly and guessing.... based on what little of the face pattern I could see, the apparent colour of the bill base and the colour of what I could see of the the upper parts... its certainly isn't a petrosus Rockit the underpart streaking is too neat by a mile. The thing that most make me think littoralis though was that bluethroat-like pale throat patch... I might have even gone for Buff-bellied Pipit had it not been taken in the UK.

Confidently expecting to be wrong and NOT offering an arse display in Woolies Window

[CJW]

*bump*

[marek_walford]

1. Broad-billed Sand (why have people said it looks like one but picked something else!?)
2. Linnet
3. Scandinavian Rock Pipit
4. Pec Sand
5. Spot Fly

[lou salomon]

Marek, maybe you are right with Broad billed Sand. It was my first and very definite impression, because it is quite dark, bill tip seems to be curved like in this species (since it is seen from semifrontal the bill must be longer than in a little stint) and its "face" didn't look to me at all like Little. But then I got totally unsecured by all those british profies swearing it has to be a Little Stint. Then I gambled seeing Sean''s hints for the number of correct species, after remembering that the Leasts I saw have been quite dark in breed. plumage. Finally I thought the forked supercillium looked ok for Little(!) and should start near the upper mandible in Broad billed - so to selfconvince me for a quick jump into that rather Little-Stint-constant mass hysteria. This is my foolish part with ONE of them...
Lou

[Darren Oakley-Martin]

Where's Sean? The suspense is killing me. And I have to book a flight to the Isle of Man for an arse-unveiling..........on second thoughts, scrub that.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<BUMP>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[Tim100]

Can we have the answers please?

[Darren Oakley-Martin]

Can we have the answers please?
Not until the quiz-meister himself decrees!

[M Cowming]

Marek, maybe you are right with Broad billed Sand. It was my first and very definite impression, because it is quite dark, bill tip seems to be curved like in this species (since it is seen from semifrontal the bill must be longer than in a little stint) and its "face" didn't look to me at all like Little. But then I got totally unsecured by all those british profies swearing it has to be a Little Stint. Then I gambled seeing Sean''s hints for the number of correct species, after remembering that the Leasts I saw have been quite dark in breed. plumage. Finally I thought the forked supercillium looked ok for Little(!) and should start near the upper mandible in Broad billed - so to selfconvince me for a quick jump into that rather Little-Stint-constant mass hysteria. This is my foolish part with ONE of them...
Lou


Hi Lou,

It had been established that all birds had been correctly identified BEFORE anyone gave a guess for Broad-billed Sandpiper. One person said that their guess for No.1 was because it "looked like" a Broad-billed.

Therefore, although yet to be determined, the Little Stint "hysteria" holds a bit more water than the Broad-billed idea... wouldn't you agree?
Nice to see you followed the "British" profies way of thinking....at least the rest of us can't be blamed if Little Stint is wrong... ;)

Regards,

P.S. Answers would be nice now.............................

[Tim100]

I'm bored with waiting so I'm having a second go...

1 - Little Stint
2 - Linnet
3 - Water Pipit
4 - Pectoral Sandpiper
5 - Redstart

[Ghostly Vision]

Sorry for not having been online since yesterday teatime (in England anyway). I have a family and a job, some days!!!!

No-one has got them all correct.

Since desperation has set in, and this has gone on too long, I will now post pictures of the same birds from different angles. There are still points for five correct guesses.
Are we ready..................?

Thanks for being so patient - these were abviously VERY hard.

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

.............Unfortunately, I now won't be online again until tomorrow late afternoon/early evening, so I hope the answer pics are revealing enough!!!

PM me if you are desperate!!

Sean

[M Cowming]

Little Stint
Linnet
Meadow Pipit
Pectoral Sandpiper
Spotted Flycatcher

[Jane Turner]

BBS... oh no...see below
Linnet
Mipit
Pec
Spot fly

and no CJW arse....

Oh hang on.. I had three right before which means the 1st wader should be a Least on Logic... it does look little and its bill does look Leasty the other bird is a Dunlin

[Tim100]

We already know that either Little stint or Spotted Flycatcher is incorrect.

I think the bill of number 1 now suggests least sandpiper

Number 2 is a linnet

Number 3 is possibly a meadow pipit

Number 4 is possibly a Pectoral Sandpiper

Number 5 a spotted flycatcher

[Jane Turner]

Just noticed it has pale legs too :)

[James Eaton]

Least Sandpiper
Linnet
Meadow Pipit
Pectoral Sandpiper
Spotted Flycatcher

Tough ones here Sean, only just joined the thread, could probably take a guess for the sites for 3 of these, does that give me bonus points?!

[Tim Allwood]

Eaton comes off the bench to poach a goal on the rest of the teams hard work

that's a Derbyshire boy for ya

[Binocularface]

Ok second try:

1) Least Sandpiper
2) Linnet
3) Rock Pipit
4) Pectoral Sandpiper (not convinced about this one)
5) Spotted Flycatcher

Ho hum diddly doo
Tristan
Ok, third and last try (reckon I only got one wrong)

1) Least Sandpiper
2) Linnet
3) Meadow Pipit
4) Pectoral Sandpiper
5) Spotted Flycatcher

ATB
Tristan

[M Cowming]

Yes, I think Least Sand seems more appropriate now considering the apparent pale legs. I think the rest have been clinched long ago.

[CJW]

Number 3 is possibly a meadow pipit

No reduction in trade over the Xmas period for Woolworths this year then...

[Jane Turner]

No reduction in trade over the Xmas period for Woolworths this year then...

No.. but its a good job you never know a Least Sand when you see one ;) or you'd have an unstoppable lead....

[CJW]

No.. but its a good job you never know a Least Sand when you see one ;) or you'd have an unstoppable lead....
I got swept along with the mob...

Wapit/Rockit/littoralis hahahahahaha.
Talk about knowing your rarities before you've sussed your common birds! ;)

[pduxon]

3) Tree Pipit, (can't see why it's not)


you should listen to your Uncle Peter and Aunt Helen!!

[Darren Oakley-Martin]

you should listen to your Uncle Peter and Aunt Helen!!
Don't you just hate people who gloat? ;)

Well done Chris, BTW!

[James Lowther]

Just how much kudos do i get for saying:-
least sandpiper (so that's what they look like is it?)
linnet
meadow pipit
pec sandpiper
spot fly

what's that, none at all?
I liked the person who guessed without even looking at the pix!!

[Binocularface]

I got swept along with the mob...

Wapit/Rockit/littoralis hahahahahaha.
Talk about knowing your rarities before you've sussed your common birds! ;)
You get no prizes for a lucky guess Chris ;)

[CJW]

You get no prizes for a lucky guess Chris ;)
:clap:

Magnanimous in defeat eh Tris? ;)

[Jules Sykes]

Elementary my dear Watson!!!,
To be honest when I did look at the photos I was happy with the guesses I had made so no yoga class, but I will pay handsomely for the video. I'm sure it will be right up there with Jane Fonda et al. By the way won't mind the next prize either of baring the bum somewhere, being an ex-rugby player I have endulged myself in numerous towns around Britain and Europe (with some interesting consequences). But that's another story.

[Ghostly Vision]

Now, now children, less bitterness and more niceness please.

Firstly - well done everybody. I wouldn't have got them (unless I had taken them). The Least and the pipit were intentionally hard - you couldn't quite see the leg colour on the Least on the original (although it is just visible now you know), and I had to crop the legs of the mipit. I have to say, when I first saw this picture I had taken of that mipit, I had to look at the birds in the field again, as I though tI had missed a Water pipit in the flock somewhere!! Just shows what light and angle can do to a shot.

The answers
1 Least Sand
2 Linnet
3 Meadow pipit
4 Pec sand
5 Spotted fly.

Now for the points. Remember, CJW has five points for the first round, M Cowning five from the second round.
For this round, there are bonuses, and the points are split.

Jane, you got four right and then kind of talked yourself into the fifth. You get four points for that, because effectively you gave the answers tot he others. You get a bonus of three points for being first to categorically state the first bird was a Least, and giving a very valid reason. So, SEVEN points, and no yoga.
Tim100, I will give you three points, because although your answers were correct, there were too many possibles in there. Stick with your convictions!!
James E - I will give you three points also, for being first to categorically get them right. However, I am giving you the chance to make that a full five if you can indeed name three of the sites (with their corresponding birds ONLY). A bonus of five points if you correctly name the site that all the birds was taken.
CJW - you were so close so soon, but no points for four out of five. However, your naming of the Mipit was inspired, and you stuck to your guns, too, in the face of much debate to the contrary. Your offer of a moon in Woolies was also appreciated. You get three points.

Points at the end of the first three rounds
CJW - 8
Jane T - 7
M Cowning - 5
Tim100 - 3
James E - 3 (pending bonuses).

Tristan, Tim A, M Cowning - you were obviously very close behind, but sorry no points. Nice post at the end, there, though Timmmeee.

Now then - the question is, after such pain, do the contestants wish for a fourth round? If so, this will appear later. There promises already to be a couple of easy ones this time, but also a couple that are actually HARDER than this round.
We'll take votes.
If anyone wants to rate the thread NOW, after that, I'd be ready and willing to take the criticism....

Have fun

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

........And to tie up loose ends on this round:

Darren - forgive me if I am teaching my grandmother to suck eggs, here, but the bird is id'd from the photo as mipit mainly on the size and shape of the flank streaks - equal to those on the breast, not finer.
James L - no kudos, sorry.
Jules - Actually, twelve members of this group PM'd me to say they had in fact seen your @rse in various pubs around the country, and that the consequences were nothing to do with them, honest, guv. The one who claims to have seen it behind a dune on Spurn Point has yet to provide proof.

[Binocularface]

Hi Sean

Despite accruing no points for my tremendous efforts ;) ................bring on round four (or else I'll start an epipactis quiz):eek!:

Regards
Tristan

[Darren Oakley-Martin]

........And to tie up loose ends on this round:

Darren - forgive me if I am teaching my grandmother to suck eggs, here, but the bird is id'd from the photo as mipit mainly on the size and shape of the flank streaks - equal to those on the breast, not finer.

Thanks Sean, no grandmother sucking eggs here!.......A very informative and educational quiz! Many thanks and look forward to the next one!

Regards

[Ghostly Vision]

Hi Sean

Despite accruing no points for my tremendous efforts ;) ................bring on round four (or else I'll start an epipactis quiz):eek!:

Regards
Tristan

DON'T do that!!! (although I know which ones you've seen and which you haven't ;) )

Wish I hadn't asked for people to rate the thread now - I've just gone done from 4.75 to 3.33! Which sod gave me 2/5??

Pics coming later, when I have changed the colour of the legs and cropped the wings out.........

Sean

ps just seen a photo go by on the gallery thumbnails called "bird in the bath" - its a cheeky lady naked under the bubbles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek!:

[Tim Allwood]

Hey Chris

re the wapit - yeah highly dodgy, i'll give you that mate.....laptop monitor, no books, in a rush, excuses excuses etc etc

it's hard to remember all the id gen in UK when you have to know all those hummers, parrots, phyoscs, antbirds, pittas, redstarts, robins, flycatchers, bulbuls and herons etc..... ;)

haven't forgot the Norfolk gen - bear with me....

atb
Tim

[Jules Sykes]

........And to tie up loose ends on this round:

Jules - Actually, twelve members of this group PM'd me to say they had in fact seen your @rse in various pubs around the country, and that the consequences were nothing to do with them, honest, guv. The one who claims to have seen it behind a dune on Spurn Point has yet to provide proof.
Ahh I remember it well, that was me doing a certain ex. warden over the Tengmalm's!!! Happy days.

[James Eaton]

Are the bonus points coming my way?! Here goes

Least Sandpiper - Drayton Bassett Pits, Staffs
Pectoral Sandpiper - Drayton Bassett Pits, Staffs, do I get an extra bonus point for guessing that this was taken 2 daysa after your Least Sand photo?!
Spotted Flycatcher - Umm, I'm guessing your garden! Why else would you take this photo!

All the best, and awaiting my results....

[Jane Turner]

By jove I think you got it!

[Ghostly Vision]

No James - you should have guessed where the mipit and Linnet were taken two, as two out of three doesn't gain any points.

1.Least - Ad, SP, Drayton Bassett, Staffs, May
2. Linnet, Staunton Harold, Derbys - disgusted you didn't recognise the grass!!
3. Mipit, Willington GP, Derbys, April
4. Pec sand, shortly after the Least above
5. Spotted fly, juv, Carsington, Derbys, Aug.

What's wrong with taking pictures of common birds anyway? Not that Spot fly is common any more....

They're all good practice - especially the ones that sit still!!!

Seamus

[Jane Turner]

I only saw one Spot Fly in each of the last two years... compared to 6 or so Yellow-browed warblers.... and that is constant effort local patch coverage!

[James Eaton]

Your joking! A photo from Willington Gravel Pits has appeared on Birdforum. Quite funny that most people struggled with the id of it being a Meadow Pipit, it happens in reality here too (tongue in cheek?).

Nothing wrong with taking photographs of the commoner birds, I just had an inkling. In fact, I haven't seen Spotted Flycatcher this year.
I think whats more worrying is the fact that you've been visiting Staunton Harold Res, I presume this Linnet was the highlight of the day.

Are you doing anymore mystery photos Sean? Or am I going to have to shift through my collection for a few. You can start by guessing my avator!

[M Cowming]

Sean,

You are undoubtedly a great quizmaster but you suck at spelling. It's CowMing, not CowNing!! Bring on the next round.

Regards,

[Harry Hussey]

Hi Sean,
I'm hanging up my bins! Have never done so badly in a series of mystery pics (and missed the second batch, which I found easier than the other two even before I checked the answers!).

Harry

[M Cowming]

There's a lie if ever I heard one.....the same man travelled to my neck of the woods to see Waxwings today!!! ;)
Hope they are there in the morning!!!

[Harry Hussey]

Hi Micheal,
Yes, but I was unaware of how badly I did at the time! Waxwings were great, hope they stay put for you: seemed settled enough.
Harry

[Padraig]

Waxwings in Waterford!
ish we could get them in Devon-or anywhere in the Southwesr here.
I'll have to travel to Yorkshire to see the b-----s.
come to think of it Waterford is probably closer. maybe I should go over.
No, its too near to Christmas. I'll stay put.

Regards,

Padraig.

[Ghostly Vision]

More will be posted shortly, James.

Perhaps you could put some on yourself as well - doubt there will be many takers from this forum, though, if you are working entirely on Far Eastern birds.

ATB

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello everyone!! I'm back!!

Here are the five photos for round four.

M CowMing, really sorry for getting your name wrong.

Shawne

[marek_walford]

Somebody has to be the one to make a tit of themselves first so here goes...

1. Willow Tit
2. Med Gull
3. Iceland Gull
4. Nuthatch
5. Sanderling

[Ghostly Vision]

Hi Marek,

There are more than five species in the photos...................

Sean

[Dimitris]

1 Willow tit
2 Med Gull
3 Corys Sherawater,Ross's Gull,Iceland Gull
4 Nice Bum bird
5 Sanderling(?)....

[Jurij Hanžel]

1 Marsh tit
2 Med gull
3 Iceland gull and probably some shearwater (maybe maybe Cory's), another gull
4 Nuthatch
5 ?

[James Eaton]

1 Marsh Tit
2 Med Gull,
3 Common Gull x2 and Iceland Gull,
4 Nutatch
5 Sanderling, no doubt it is in fact a Semipalmated Sandpiper, haven't had chance to have a good look, as I'm off out to search for one round the pits. No, I'm sticking with Sanderling.

ill find some European and American photos out for you Sean!

all the best

[Harry Hussey]

Hi all,
1)Marsh Tit
2)Med Gull (1st-w/ 1st-s type)
3)Common Gull and Iceland Gull
4)Nuthatch
5)Sanderling?

Harry

[Andrew Whitehouse]

1. Marsh Tit
2. Mediterranean Gull
3. Iceland Gull and 2 Common Gulls
4. Nuthatch
5. White-rumped Sandpiper

[Tim Allwood]

1. Marsh Tit
2. Mediterranean Gull
3. Iceland Gull and two Common Gulls
4. Nuthatch
5. White-rumped Sandpiper

same as Fifey though so i aint gonna win owt

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Well said Tim. Harry's poor performance on the previous round can also easily be explained by him putting the same answers as me.

[Tim100]

Marsh Tit (can’t see white bar on wing for willow)
Common gull (size and shape looks right)
Cory's Shearwater, Black Headed gull and Bonaparte's gull
Nuthatch
Sanderling for shape size and colouring

[Jules Sykes]

1. Marsh Tit
2. Med Gull
3. Iceland Gull & Common Gulls
4. Nuthatch
5. Little Stint
I actually think No. 5 has been mentioned already twice but I might as well go for the outright win.

[lou salomon]

1. Marsh Tit at a willow bark
2. Med Gull 1st summer
3. Cory's Shearwater + Iceland Gull + Common Gull
4. Nuthatch
5. Sanderling on shape and colour
- give you my stupid reason for the Cory's' vote: the 2 gulls hang in quite strong wind; if the bird on the left side was a 1st winter Common G. it would have a hard time flapping its wings in this straight way downwards, not so for a Shearwater but: bill seems very thin for Cory's and the colouration isn't convincing also. I also struggle with that Sanderling.

[lou salomon]

silly reasoning. the wing shape doesn't fit. I correct into Common 1st wi. (probably not allowed?)

[Jane Turner]

1. Marsh Tit
2. Mediterranean Gull
3. Iceland Gull and 2 Common Gulls
4. Nuthatch
5. Sanderling

5 looks too leggy for WRS.... and the mantle feathers do look good for Sanderling. Pic not good enough to make out whether or not it has a hind toe.

[Ghostly Vision]

Cor Blimey, at first I thought this was going to be too easy.

EVERYONE is so very close, with most having three or four out of six (oops - giveaway!!), but no-one has yet to name all of them correctly.

A few comments to help or confuse (I'm just being a git now)

1. What does this bird appear to be DOING?
2.Taken in January 2004
3.Also taken one January, on the Suffolk coast
4.Taken in late evening sunlight
5.Are we sure we can't count the toes??

(Snicker)

Come on, everyone - no bonuses this time, so only six points to be given away.

Perhaps THIS is the worst Christmas present you have ever had??

Sean

[Tim100]

Is the bird feeding its young in a tree which would possibly suggest it is a willow tit and not marsh tit?

[Tim100]

and picture 5 is therefore a long-TOED stint?

[Tim100]

to clarify with corrections

1 - willow tit
2 - med gull (revised opion after 2nd look)
3 - an iceland furthest left and 2 common
4 - nuthatch no question
5 - long toed stint

[Ouzel]

Hi All,
1. Willow Tit
2. Black Headed Gull (can't see why not - bill seems too thin for Med?)
3. Iceland Gull, Common Gull x2
4. Nuthatch
5. Little Stint

cheers
Paul

[Ghostly Vision]

Any of you chaps with points by their name want to go?

Sean

[M Cowming]

1 Willow Tit
2 Med Gull
3 2X Common Gull and 1 Iceland Gull
4 Nuthatch
5 Seems to be a marshy habitat...I've only ever seen Sanderling on beaches. No idea what it is for sure but will say White-rumped sand as it appears a little larger than Little Stint.

[Ghostly Vision]

Six points to..............

[Ghostly Vision]

..............be won still!!!

[M Cowming]

Willow Tit
Med Gull
Common Gull X 2, Iceland Gull
Nuthatch
Little Stint

[Ghostly Vision]

All birds have been identified correctly, actually from quite early on. But still no-one with six.

Harry, don't hang up your bins!!

Sean

[Tim Allwood]

change my Marsh for a Willow then sean?

[James Eaton]

1, Willow Tit
2 Med Gull
3, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Iceland Gull
4, Nutatch
5 Sanderling, at local gravel pit complex - Drayton Bassett again Sean?

Surely thats it! If its not, I'm hanging up my bins.

[timmyjones]

1 willow tit (Parus Palustris)
2 mediterranean gull (Larus Melanocephalus)
3 2 common gulls, 1 iceland gull (Larus Canus), (Larus Glaucoides)
4 nuthatch (Sitta Europaea)
5 sanderling (Calidris Alba)

it might be cheating but i felt gutted when i saw the photos done my homework came to the bottom of the page and saw my own list starring back at me

[Ouzel]

Having looked at pics 2 & 5 again I'll change to

1. Willow Tit
2. Med Gull
3. Common Gull x2, Iceland Gull
4. Nuthatch
5. White-rumped Sandpiper (wing projection seems right ?)

[Ghostly Vision]

Six points to James Eaton - I'll also give 2 points to TimmyJones, as he seems honest enough and is the only other who go tthem correct.

No need to hang up those bins, JE!

Here are "better" pics of the birds

1. The Willow tit is actually excavating its nest-hole!! Bit of a clincher there! Don't have another of that one, here's the rest.
2. 1w Med gull, Yarmouth, Jan 04
3. Iceland + 2 common gulls, Suffolk, Jan 04
4.Nuthatch, male, Derbyshire, spring
5. Sanderling, moulting ad, Derbyshire (Willington GP), Aug 03.

The points will be worked out later, more in a minute or two.

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

Here is the next round.

No help, no clues, I'm off out for the day, so will come back and have a look later.

Sean

[tom mckinney]

1) Richard's Pipit
2) Greater Scaup
3) Goldeneye (juv, fem & male)
4) Whitethroat
5) Willow Warbler

[Ghostly Vision]

Welcome back, Tom.

Before I go for the day, I will say there are more than five species to identify......

Sean

[Jules Sykes]

1. Water Pipit (early Spring)
2. G. Scaup
3. Goldeneye x 2 & a Common Scoter
4. G. Whitethroat
5. Willow Warbler
It's nice to get in early and get too distracted by other answers.

[Jane Turner]

Snap with Jules... Can't get anything for that.. bums!

[Joern Lehmhus]

have to give the same IDs as Jules... and Jane....

[David FG]

Sticking my neck out here:

1 Tawny Pipit (without any real confidence)
2 G Scaup
3 Goldeneye
4 Whitethroat
5 Willow Warbler

[Tim100]

meadow pipit
greater scaup female
common scoter and 2 x goldeneye
whitethroat male
willow warbler

[James Eaton]

1, Richard's Pipit
2, Greater Scaup
3, Velvet Scoter & Goldeneye x2
4, Whitethroat
5, Willow Warbler

Risking it a bit with number 3, its probably going to be a Tufted Duck. First thought Common Scoter, but can't see what age or sex it would be if it was one.

Hurry up from your day out Sean, going anywhere nice? I'm at work from now till 7, so I'll miss out on everybodies guesses

[timmyjones]

1. Richards Pipit
2. Greater Scaup
3. velvet scoter 2 goldeneye
4.greater whitethroat
5.wood warbler

[Jules Sykes]

First thought Common Scoter, but can't see what age or sex it would be if it was one.

Hi James
I think it's a 1st win male, hence the lack of colour on the bill.

[Harry Hussey]

Hi all,
1)Tawny Pipit (just to be different! Looks very plain above, though appreciate that Richard's can do so as well when not in juv plumage)
2)Greater Scaup
3)Goldeneye and Common Scoter
4)Common Whitethroat
5)Willow Warbler

Harry

[M Cowming]

Tawny Pipit
Greater Scaup
Velvet Scoter and Goldeneye X 2
Common Whitethroat
Willow Warbler

[David FG]

Good to see some others have weighed in with my 'Tawny Pipit' theory.

[James Eaton]

I see what you mean with the scoter, Jules, starting to sweat a bit on this one, and that pipit sp. I'll stick with my instincts though.
Chop chop Sean, your keeping us in suspence again!

[Ghostly Vision]

My goodness, James - you get the six points!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Spot on - inspired guesswork ;) ;)

The answers were:

1. Richard's pipit, ad wp, Sheffield, Jan03
2.Presumed 1w m Greater Scaup, Cornwall, Feb 02
3.1s m Velvet Scoter, Barrow, Derbys, Apr 02, with 2x goldeneye
4.Common Whtiethroat, m, Notts, May 02
5.Willow warbler, m, Northants, Apr 02.

Additional pictures are attached below. Points to date in the next post when I've added them up.

I will state ref points, though, that for the last round Marek W got five out of his five answers, presumably he didn't think he had to name the common gulls - so I am going to give him a deserved five points. This round, Tom McK did a similar thing, in naming five correct species in five guesses. So five to him as well.

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

The points to date are:

James Eaton, a late starter, but 15!!
CJW - 8
Jane Turner - 7
M Cowming - 5
Marek W - 5
Tom McK - 5
Tim100 - 3
Timmy Jones - 2

The next round will be THE LAST, so there will be extra points and photos to give everyone a chance.

The rules also change; a guess that doesn't include a reason for the i.d., or the age, does not count. There will be different scoring rules also, so it may be a case of fastest finger first.................And most of all, no-one will get to see other people's guesses before they themselves have a go!!!!

See you at the next lot.

Sean TQM

[Ghostly Vision]

Final Round - hope you are appreciative, all, since doing this from my sickbed!!

So long as I don't have to move or talk, I should be ok for five minutes.....but won't be checking this today from now on.

There are FIFTEEN pictures in the final round - three lots of five.

The rules are:

1. Everyone has three guesses at all fifteen. Each time, name all fifteen if you can. The third guess I will take as your final answer - unless you say otherwise before then.
2. PRIVATE MESSAGE me with your guesses. This saves others being influenced by your expert field knowledge....Anyone posting answers on the public forum will not be allowed to participate in this round, and I won't comment on the guesses anyway.
3. Everyone will get a point for every answer they get correct.
4. I will announce the final points for this round and the whole quiz tomorrow evening. I will not post any clues onto the forum before then....but I will reply to PM's later this eveing (if I feel up to it).
5. Good luck!! In my opinion, some of these are IMPOSSIBLE, so there will be triple points for anyone correctly identifying those I decree are in this category.

First five are below.

[Ghostly Vision]

The second five.


By the way, did I say there were 15? There are in fact 20!!

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

no's 11-15 on this round

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

Final five.

I'm off back to bed.

See you soon

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

There are two that I consider worthy of three points - good luck. Not saying which ones, though.

Sean

[James Eaton]

You've got the mind boggling here Sean! Dear me, what the +*%^ are some of these?! I'll give it a go, with my guesswork! I think there should be a genuine prize for the winner of this last round.

Good luck everyone!

[Jane Turner]

I have had a lash.... Sean can now have a laugh.. I was certain about 8 out of the 20

[James Eaton]

Sean must be chuckling to himself at some of our answers! Couldn't put one of the birds down to family, let alone species! Your better than me Jane, I was sure of 7!

[Jane Turner]

I had trouble ruling out paper bag on this one

http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=16309&stc=1&thumb=1

[CJW]

Good grief, sheesh and oh my God!
Confident of 9 possibly, 10.
If there's any prizes, I think they should go to Sean for being the world's worst photographer. ;)
Great fun, thanks mate. Thanks a lot.

[lou salomon]

Goodness gratious! I'm sure Sean is chuckling to himself and I wish he at least had some nice nightmares in his morning sleep as I had in the last few hours with these pics! Thanks though, it reminds me that I must be mad while having other things to do.
Lou

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello Everyone.

Still feeling grotty, but thought if I looked at some of the answers, it might cheer me up ;) - though I haven't looked yet.

To clarify the scoring rules, when someone sends me a guess, I will reply to them with their score (out of 24, including bonuses). So if you have already sent me two guesses, I will tell you your score on both guesses.

To avoid any embarrassment, when I give the final scores, I amy only declare the winners!!!! Rest assured, if your score is one you consider embarrassing, I won't tell everyone - but I might save it for the next favour I want from you ;)

I'm off to have a look at the answers - come on everyone, don't be shy.

To let you know, there WILL be a prize for the winner of both this round, and of the whole competition.

Can't say what it is yet because I'm not sure - any suggestions anyone?

Sean

[Ghostly Vision]

May I just re-iterate the scoring:

18 of the pictures carry one point each for correctly identifying the species (forget the Herring gulls in the background of pic 3).

Two of the pics carry three points each. I can reveal they are numbers 9 (second lot, no. 4) and no. 15 (third lot, last pic).

The total points are therefore 24.

I have had ten first goes so far, and the average score is 11.8 (not that you can score 0.8, but you can score 0.5 for one of them).

Happy guessing

Sean

Back off to bed to try and rid myself of this headache

[CJW]

Can't believe you're giving 3 points for #9 and only 1 for #12....grrrrrr

[Ghostly Vision]

Thanks to those who have put in additional guesses.

I will be getting back to you all later on this evening.

Didn't realise this was going to be so popular, and create all this work!!!

From memory, only ONE picture has not yet been identified by anybody, though there a couple VERY close to the answer. It is the dreaded no. 15, of course.

CJW - the only clue I will give is that no. 12 is NOT a paper bag.

Sean


Keep on squinting

[marek_walford]

Hey, I assumed the mystery bird was the Iceland and the Commons were too obvious to be worth mentioning (i.e. there were five photos) so I did get em all right from the start, so there! ;0)

[tom mckinney]

Cheers Sean - great fun.

I'm sure everyone appreciates the time and effort you've put in.

If I don't see you before - Happy Christmas fella.

Tom

[Ghostly Vision]

Hey, I assumed the mystery bird was the Iceland and the Commons were too obvious to be worth mentioning (i.e. there were five photos) so I did get em all right from the start, so there! ;0)


Hi Marek,

That's why I gave you five points for that round, as that is exactly what I assumed you had done.

Cheers

Sean

[marek_walford]

Hi Marek,

That's why I gave you five points for that round, as that is exactly what I assumed you had done.

Cheers

Sean

Sorry, didn't notice that. Lesson to learn is to read all posts before commenting...

[Jules Sykes]

CJW - the only clue I will give is that no. 12 is NOT a paper bag.
Sean

Are you sure!!!. Hope your feeling better today, this quiz is doing my head in.

[marek_walford]

Can't say what it is yet because I'm not sure - any suggestions anyone?


How about a signed mounted print of the plastic bag?
;)

[Ghostly Vision]

How about a signed mounted print of the plastic bag?
;)


You don't look that ugly to me Marek!!!!! ;) ;) ;)

:flowers:

ONLY JOKING FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!

THIS QUIZ HAS SENT ME MAD, YOU SEE!!!!!!!

Sean TQM.

[marek_walford]

I see from post 203 that it's not a paper bag so it could feasibly be a plastic one...

[James Eaton]

Are the answers ready to give out yet Sean? you must have added up all the scores with your day off, I think I'm ready to move on to a new quiz!

ATB

[Ghostly Vision]

Just to tempt you all before the big Reveal (probably in a couple of hours or so), I can reveal that as we stand there have been 20 competitors who have entered at least one set of answers.

As we stand, right now, 17.16 UK time, there are three leaders, all on exactly the same points.

Below them are two people with half a point less, and below them, two more with another half a point less.

OOOOOOh it couldn't be closer.

Sean

ps feeling better now thanks to all those who cared!!!!

pps anyone want to rate the thread who hasn't already? That is for enjoyability, not for misery/pain/tease value etc.

Remember this is the last one until James Eaton takes on the mantle of TQM.

Then after that, I may have something devilish planned..........

[James Eaton]

Thats one hell of a mantle to take on from you Sean. The tension is really building with this, it sounds to close to call. Can everybody else handle the situation, its been like a Paula Radcliffe marathon this one.

I better go and search through my pics for some goodies now, it'll take a few days for me to find some slides for you all, I think we deserve a few days rest.

Biting my nails as we speak.....

[Ghostly Vision]

Right then, are we ready???

I have been most pleasantly surprised with how many people have had a go, and nearly (!!!) all played quite fairly, it apppears.

From the comments, it seems like peoples' emotions have varied between mischievous pleasure and genuine illness!!

Anyway, speech over - thanks to all who took part - hope you liked the secrecy format to give everyone a chance without making fools of themselves - although no-one did.

The answers are as follows. There are no back-up photos, you will just have to trust your uncle Sean on this one....

1 Sanderling (the same moulting ad bird as in a previous round!!!)
2 Wood sandpiper
3 Audouin's gull (The Kent 2003 2w bird)
4 Herring gull 1s (not YL Gull)
5 Little Grebe, pullus
6 Lesser spotted woodpecker, f.
7 Meadow pipit
8 Melodious warbler
9 Ring-billed gull (the same 1s as in a previous round!!)
10. Swallow's nest - with a juv Swallow in it, surprisingly enough
11. Woodpigeon, juv
12. Paper bag
13.Balck guillemot, winter
14. Common Buzzard
15 Hybrid GyrfalconxSaker (really sorry folks, but three people got it!!)
16 Little ringed plover, m
17 Oriental turtle dove (meena)
18 Tufted duck, m eclipse
19 Whooper swans
20 Redshank

If anyone has a quibble about their score, please let me know - we all make mistakes!!!!

Any further discussions on the ideas can be done by pm, or if you want to go public (some constructive info may be gained for all if this way?), that is ok too.

The results are below........

Sean

[James Eaton]

Ha, and to think I thought the paper bag was a Black-winged Stilt, you must have had a good laugh at that Sean, that was one of my bankers!

[Ghostly Vision]

There is one clear winner.

That is JAMES LOWTHER, who scored 18 out of a possible 24 on his third attempt!!!

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Next up, with 17 each, are

DENDROICA (Mike), TIMMY JONES (who is only 13 years old!!) & J TIBBETTS

On 16.5 are JANE TURNER & ANDREW WHITEHOUSE.

Finally, with a very respectable 16 points are:

CJW, MAREK WALFORD & MICK COWMING.

By the way, number 12 wasn't a paper bag - it was Sammy the Black-winged Stilt, and yes, it is the best picture I have of him!!!!

Well done again all, and we all look forward to James Eaton's new mind-boggler in the next few days. J - send me an Email, I may not be back on the forum for a few days.

Love and kisses

Sean

[timmyjones]

well done james

[timmyjones]

i dont belive it in my first guess i said reedshank but then looked back on the fourm and it said no one has guessed no 15 correct and i thought this was the redshank!!!!!!!!!!!
but i have to hand it to james well done

[Jules Sykes]

Well I don't mind going public but it was no.7 that really did me I wasn't even close on either guess, which were Dick's Pipit (initially), ending with a Song Thrush. It looked bigger than Mipit and leggy but I knew I was wrong with the guesses, c'est la vie. Apart from that I can't complain, apart from talking myself out of a few species in the final analysis. Great fun though, many thanks to you Sean, and as you said James it is a tough act to follow. Good luck.

[Tim100]

Great quizzes,

For my information could someone explain to me the swallow. I thought a swallow's nest has a tunnel entrance whereas a house martin does not (like picture) ?

Thanks,

Tim

[Ben Rackstraw]

Bl**dy Arsenal!!!

Made the mistake of watching the footy instead of changing my bonus point guesses from Common to Ring-billed and Saker to Gyr-Saker, and was ready to shove in a LRP as well. A 6.5 point swing!

Final whistle blows, and I find I've missed the bus for my second round of guesses.

I could've been a contender!

Anyway...cheers Sean for all your work (and poor pics). I'll have to put something together from my video footage in the near future.

[CJW]

On 16.5 are JANE TURNER & ANDREW WHITEHOUSE.



.5? .5?
Either it is or it isn't.
.5! Pah!

Great fun, Sean. Apart from the dodgy use of hybrids...;)

[atricapillus]

Will try my luck on this one. Was perusing the previous quiz of almost identifiable birds when the post with answers came up. Really couldn't manage the Curlew Sandpiper--thought DUNL, CUSA or SESA and was leaning towards the latter. The Lapland sure looked different than the ones we see here in Okla, USA (deeper tones or something), but, having those blackish tarsi and feet and some rufous in the coverts and tertials, still the only choice I could come up with. Apparently right.
Anyway, my humble quesses for this latest quiz are:
1. Black-legged Kittiwake
2. Black-headed Gull
3. A fringillid--no idea really, but will guess Brambling just for the heck of it.
4. Common Goldeneye
5. Green Sandpiper. Only other choice would be Solitary, but the bill looks a trite longish. Then again, am really guessing it is from across the way.
CHEERS, JOE Grzybowski

[atricapillus]

Well done Chris - inspired fieldcraft!!

Also to Brian.

Sorry, everyone else, they did turn out to be tougher than previous ones, somehow.

Answers were indeed

1. Common Tern (pink reflected from buoy below giving it a Roseate appearance)
2. Curlew sand juv
3. Garganey, ad f
4. Great Grey shrike, poss 1w (the bird showed some scalloping on the flanks in life, photo taken in January)
5. Lapland bunting, winter. (One especially for Harry). ;)

Right then, since those were so hard, some easy ones to leave you with for the evening. I will be back tomorrow to mark the contestants.

Remember, the prize of a free night out with Tim Allwood and Tom McKinney, is still up for grabs..................but you can still post your guesses anyway

;)
Will try my luck on this one. Was perusing the previous quiz of almost identifiable birds when the post with answers came up. Really couldn't manage the Curlew Sandpiper--thought DUNL, CUSA or SESA and was leaning towards the latter. The Lapland sure looked different than the ones we see here in Okla, USA (deeper tones or something), but, having those blackish tarsi and feet and some rufous in the coverts and tertials, still the only choice I could come up with. Apparently right.
Anyway, my humble quesses for this latest quiz are:
1. Black-legged Kittiwake
2. Black-headed Gull
3. A fringillid--no idea really, but will guess Brambling just for the heck of it.
4. Common Goldeneye
5. Green Sandpiper. Only other choice would be Solitary, but the bill looks a trite longish. Then again, am really guessing it is from across the way.
CHEERS, JOE Grzybowski

[atricapillus]

Well, you can tell I know what I am doing. Guessed at the earliest quizes not knowing I was still on the first page of the thread.

Sorry folks. Ignorance is Bliss.

These were fun though--help me learn some about some European birds.
CHEERS, JOE Grzybowski

[Jane Turner]

Its been a fine effort so far Joe

[timmyjones]

Great quizzes,

For my information could someone explain to me the swallow. I thought a swallow's nest has a tunnel entrance whereas a house martin does not (like picture) ?

Thanks,

Tim

The swallow has just a simple cup nest that it builds in a shed or garage old barn etc but the house martin builds its nest in a cup shape with a hole for an entrance (you got it the wrong way round)

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello all,

Looking back, it's been a very enjoyable few days, watching the quiz unfold, and the people searching themselves for inspiration and answers.

Ben - your offer of some videograbquiz sounds rather exciting - never thought that I might search my (even dodgier) video files.......

James - if you do a quiz, the PM way is certainly the best for the contestants, but it is some work for you - but that's how I'd like it best, as I don't come on here often enough to keep up with others in a race.

Some prize news.....

There has been a VERY generous offer of a very generous prize from my friend Jules Sykes, and I am awaiting James' comments before I announce it. Suffice to say, you might wish you had won this!!!!!!

All the best and thanks again for taking part - and Joe - you can still play the quiz by looking at the pages in numerical order!!

My new quiz "Don't come a cropper" will be out after Christmas.

Sean TQM

[James Eaton]

Good to see your getting into that festive spirit with the avator, very cute.

I'll see if I have time to do it a PM way like your last round, though you miss out on a bit of the clutching at straws and guesses that way, any suggestions from others most welcome.

I've scanned through a few of my slides from Europe, and I've found a few good ones, though also found one or 2 interesting ones from eastern America, so it could include any birds that have reached Europe. Hopefully several of my pics won't be too dodgy, just an identification headache.

It should be done by the weekend, I'll post a message a day before they'll be posted to notify people.

Though I don't think my quiz will compare to your 'don't come a cropper'........

All the best

James TNBQM

[lou salomon]

The swallow has just a simple cup nest that it builds in a shed or garage old barn etc but the house martin builds its nest in a cup shape with a hole for an entrance (you got it the wrong way round)

the one with the tunnel entry is Red rumped Swallow (H. daurica)!
Lou

[timmyjones]

when are we going to get the new quiz from james