Coming Soon - Ghostly's 3-2-1 Photo quiz! Register now!

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello quizzers!

Since I am so apalling at other peoples' quizzes I have decided to come out of retirement and set my own.

I've tried to think of something different and new and exciting. Here are the rules:

I post three crops of the same bird; hard, medium and easy, in that order. Everyone has only one guess at each. If you get it correct off the first picture you get 3 points. Second picture 2, third pic 1. Simple as that.

To answer, you have to PM me so no-one can see each other's guesses. When everyone has guessed, I reveal the answers and the scores to date.
When you pm me I will not tell you whether you are correct or not. That way, when the next pic comes along, you get a chance to change your mind and it helps prevent cheating! The answer I finally accept is your answer to the easy crop. If you gave that same answer for the hard one, you get three points for it, for the medium you get two, etc. When you pm please put the answer you gave for each one so I can see whether it is the same or different toy our previous answer.

To control this, people need to pre-register - i.e. let me know that you want to take part now. Then I post each picture and obly when everyone has put in an answer do I go to the next picture.

The winner will be the person with the highest score after ten rounds.

All birds will be Western Palearctic species but I will not reveal where or when they were taken in advance - only with the answer. some may not have been taken in tis country, or indeed the WP, but they will be of species on the WP list.


Simple enough!

Because the times I come onto the forum do vary, this will go in fits and starts - please be patient with me!

If any kind soul is able to offer a prize for the quiz on my behalf I would be grateful; otherwise I can dig around and find something mildly desirable. But I do want to give a prize.

If it goes well and people enjoy it, I will probably run another.

Because of work commitments, I will begin Saturday morning. Please register before then. To register, please do not PM me - just post a reply on this thread saying you want to join in.

Happy guessing

GV

[Andrew]

I'm in.

[ody]

I want to start guessing!

[Joe Ray]

Count me too.

[Hotspur]

I will have a bash

[Jane Turner]

I'll always have a lash

[Jane Turner]

and you should put a time limit in - I know there will be times when I can't get near t'internet.

[Helenelizabeth2]

Great idea, GV. I would like to have a go. Since I am going to be completely and utterly rubbish at it please can there be a booby prize too (I challenge anyone to take this off me!).

Helen

[The Analog Kid]

Me too!!

[lou salomon]

that's a big idea with that kin' off strict rules. yepp, i'm in.

[bitterntwisted]

This sounds a sight better organised than Jyothi's. Put me down for some.

[Jane Turner]

Happy to offer a guided tour of my garden as a prize!

[Jurij Hanžel]

I'm in.

[dddiver]

And me

[Andrew]

Happy to offer a guided tour of my garden as a prize!
That has prompted me to break open the piggy bank and hire the services of three world renowned bird ID gurus! ;)

[Joe Ray]

This sounds a sight better organised than Jyothi's. How dare you! :eek!: :C :storm: |=@| |!| |})| |=o|

[Helenelizabeth2]

Happy to offer a guided tour of my garden as a prize!

Good news for everyone else but how excited would you be if you won? ;)

[Sean F]

How dare you! :eek!: :C :storm: |=@| |!| |})| |=o|

He's got a point I am afraid.


Count me in too.

[dbradnum]

Yeah, I'll have a stab.

[jason stannage]

me to sounds fun just hope i come in the first 500
maybe 499

[MSA]

I'll give it a go - at least our cock-ups will only be known by GV (unless he posts them here!) - or maybe he's on the RBC, and this is a fiendish plot to give us all a points rating to be used when submitting our records ;)

[Jos Stratford]

Happy to offer a guided tour of my garden as a prize!

And the booby prize, a wander of mine ;) In there with a chance Helen!


Guess I'm in for a few guesses

[dan pointon]

I may as well have a go......i'll take one free lift if I win ;)

Someone's gonna have a full inbox I feel......

[Helenelizabeth2]

And the booby prize, a wander of mine ;) In there with a chance Helen!


Guess I'm in for a few guesses

Cool, well worth losing for. And such a good excuse - 'Well, obviously, I knew the answers really but I got them wrong deliberately because I was after a trip to Jos' patch.'

[sylvia staffs]

Im in as well ;)

Sylvia

[Andrew]

Is it a Red-breasted Flycatcher?



Do I get double points for guessing right before the pic was posted? ;)

[CornishExile]

Nice one, GV. I'm in.

Dare you to throw in an orchid var. ;) That'll sort the wheat from the chaff! Or a weaver sp... ;)

ce

PS - Andrew - bet you wish Rafa's lot got double points last night? Hoho.

[Dryocopus]

I'll have a bash


Think Andrew better sort himself out...

after last night!!

[Jane Turner]

That has prompted me to break open the piggy bank and hire the services of three world renowned bird ID gurus! ;)

No need for that - you are welcome anytime

[Jane Turner]

Good news for everyone else but how excited would you be if you won? ;)

I'll have a lie in that day

[edenwatcher]

I'm in.

Rob

[Andrew]

No need for that - you are welcome anytime
So kind, I shall bring a cream tea if I ever do.

[JWN Andrewes]

Count me in, sounds like fun!

James

[Ghostly Vision]

Crikey - all those participants and no prize yet (sorry Jane and Jos).

Where's Andrew Whitehouse and James Lowther? Mods - you can be in too - I won't cheat.

Saturday morning is the starting point. Jane, no time limits - I wait until everyone registered has put in their answer before I post the next pic.

Thanks all, see you Sat

GV

[ody]

Crikey - all those participants and no prize yet (sorry Jane and Jos).

Where's Andrew Whitehouse and James Lowther? Mods - you can be in too - I won't cheat.

Saturday morning is the starting point. Jane, no time limits - I wait until everyone registered has put in their answer before I post the next pic.

Thanks all, see you Sat

GV

Very good ,GV ! I am the whole Saturday away from my pc!

[Xenospiza]

The crowd's growin', so I'll try as well...

[Harry Hussey]

Count me in too!
Harry

[John Eaton]

Sean,
I'd enter but I've already got one of your caps, mugs, trucks, and stickers....etc....
John

[Jane Turner]

Count me in too!
Harry

and there was me thinking Harry would give us a three bird start. Is there going to be a second prize?

[Ghostly Vision]

Sean,
I'd enter but I've already got one of your caps, mugs, trucks, and stickers....etc....
John


Jane - Cap, mug, truck etc for second prize donated by John

See y'all tomorrow

GV

[Jules Sykes]

Why not, so long as you give my dad the answers first ;)

[Larry Lade]

Sounds interesting. I'll take a "look see". Do not expect me to do very well though!

(Looks like I will be the only person from across the pond to participate!)

[Ghostly Vision]

Okay everyone, we have 26 participants and my PM folder is nearly empty.

May I request only one PM per picture please, as it will clearly fill up if there's too much correspondence.


As we go along, I'll gauge pictures for difficulty - this is a very subjective thing. Sometimes I look at crops and can't even see a bird, yet others get it right - so please don't give me grief if you think they are too difficult. I'm not certain they will be 100% identifiable form the first pic every time, but you should get it narrowed down pretty well at least.

Good luck one and all, next pictures once I have 26 guesses - sorry, answers - in my inbox.

EDIT: I NOW ATTACH THE FIRST 3 ROUNDS ALL TOGETHER - WE CAN DO THIS 3 ROUNDS AT A TIME I THINK, TO SPEED UP THE TOTAL QUIZ.

Three points each!

Five guesses so far.

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Hi all

As at Sunday morning, 13 full sets of answers with three more having answered the first pic only (I originally posted it on its own).

To make sure this moves along, I will now post the second pictures on TUESDAY MORNING; any guesses not in by then will be scored as zero points.

Of course if you do feel they are too difficult and want to wait for the next round that's the same as giving a wrong answer, so it's not a problem.

GV

[Jane Turner]

Cripes!

[Jos Stratford]

Cripes indeed ...is bird number two upside down or what?!

[Ghostly Vision]

Stop Press! Mr Andrew Whitehouse has come in with a late registration, so is in the running for the prize (which we haven't got yet).

As of now, only five entrants yet to send answers with a further two still to give no's 2 & 3 after getting in quick yesterday when I posted the firs tpic on its own.

Not wanting to give out clues to those tardy monsters, the answers are forming a pattern, yet are varied and intriguing.........fascinating when you get them, as you can see the thinking behind every one, and they're all plausible - but not all correct!

Participants - at the end of each round would you like me to send out everyone's answers as well as their scores? Or would you prefer others not to see them?

I will not reveal the scores publicly until the end of each round of three.

Happy quizzing!

GV

[dbradnum]

Cripes indeed ...is bird number two upside down or what?!Ah, good, so it's not just me that's struggling to think of anything particularly likely for this!

[Andrew]

Don't mind my answers being put out.

[Jos Stratford]

Don't mind my answers being put out.


Likewise, though might need to start thinking up excuses in preparation!

[Jane Turner]

Mine will be I haven't got an effing clue!

[MSA]

Show and be damned, I say!

[jason stannage]

is that a beak on pic 2 :h?:

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello quizzers.

With only one set of answers to come in for round 1-3, I take the plunge and reveal a little more of the first three species.

Of course, the points you gain will be based on the final answer you give. For example if you submit "Bee-eater" for crop 1, then change your mind to "Roller" for crop 2 and stick to it, then it turns out to be a Bee-eater after all, you get 2 points not 3. So if you're sure, stick to your answer!!!

[Ghostly Vision]

is that a beak on pic 2 :h?:


No!

GV

[Jos Stratford]

When's the deadline for submissions on the second crops?

[Jane Turner]

When's the deadline for submissions on the second crops? You mean you aren't skicking to your original guesses?

[Jos Stratford]

You mean you aren't skicking to your original guesses?


ballsed up at least one ;)

[Helenelizabeth2]

Am I the only person who thinks this lot make it harder not easier?

[MSA]

Am I the only person who thinks this lot make it harder not easier?

No - you are not alone!

[bitterntwisted]

What happens if we were right initially but now change to a wrong answer? (not that I think I was right initially, I would stress)

Graham

[Jane Turner]

What happens if we were right initially but now change to a wrong answer? (not that I think I was right initially, I would stress)

Graham

Put a large White-headed Gull up and I guarantee that I will get it more wrong the more I have to go on!

There should also be a booby prize for getting the furthest taxonomically from the correct answer. I state this knowing that I may well have already probably acheived this worthy target with the second species.

[Larry Lade]

If you guys are having trouble what do you think about this guy from across the pond trying to decipher what these birds are! ;)

[Jane Turner]

Plenty of Nearactic species on the WP list Larry! I'm sure Sean will slip in some tricky fall Dendroicas

[Larry Lade]

Jane, I love those "confusing fall warblers"! :eek!:

[lou salomon]

Put a large White-headed Gull up and I guarantee that I will get it more wrong the more I have to go on!

There should also be a booby prize for getting the furthest taxonomically from the correct answer. I state this knowing that I may well have already probably acheived this worthy target with the second species.

i concour!

[Ghostly Vision]

Luckily I never look at LWHG's!!! The more I look at them the more bored I get.....

Yes, Larry, we have had plenty of American species in Britain, and I've been around a while........

The easy pics will be posted Wednesday evening (UK time), and then all will pretty much be revealed methinks.

Jane - I wouldn't be so cruel as to judge your booby prize given how far out I have been with pics in the past!! When the answers to the first three rounds are attached, I'll let you all judge for yourselves.

We have, by the way, had another late entry in the form of a mysterious French visitor from Sheffield, Mr. Deja-vu. Welcome on board!

GV

[JWN Andrewes]

Participants - at the end of each round would you like me to send out everyone's answers as well as their scores?
GV

Fine by me.

[Harry Hussey]

Wow, I'm still not sure what any are 100%, but I now know that I was wrong with ALL THREE of my guesses for the hard crops, and way off the mark with two of them....
Harry

[Pluvius]

Im in

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello all

Pluvius now joins us making 28 contestants in all.

For the second crops I have 16 sets of answers so far. One contestant has not guessed any at all yet, and a number of participants have got ALL THREE CORRECT!

Catch you tomorrow for the easy ones!!

GV

[Jules Sykes]

Hello all

One contestant has not guessed any at all yet,

GV

That'll be me then, going on my past record. :gn:

Cheers Jules

[Larry Lade]

I would like to see "who" got "what" and who "got shot down in flames" like me!

[Harry Hussey]

I would like to see "who" got "what" and who "got shot down in flames" like me!
I would pay good money for my guesses NOT to be put on here.... ;)
Harry

[Helenelizabeth2]

I would pay good money for my guesses NOT to be put on here.... ;)
Harry

That's you supplying the prize then! ;)

Helen

[CornishExile]

One contestant has not guessed any at all yet, and a number of participants have got ALL THREE CORRECT!
GV

Yikes. That's ominous!

ce

[Gavin Haig]

Just found this thread - can I play, or is it too late??

Always up for public humiliation, so the PM is on it's way............. |=)|

[eddieh]

Just found this thread - can I play, or is it too late??

Always up for public humiliation, so the PM is on it's way............. |=)|



Likewise. I promise you wont regret it. I'm new to this lark (and most other birds) so you should get quite a bit of amusement from my wildly incorrect stabs in the dark

Eddie :hi:

[Ghostly Vision]

Yes that's two more contestants.

When I stated one perosn had not made any guesses, I meant they hadn't submitted any answers for consideration. Don't worry people!!

Here are the last three - hopefully each has everything to enable them to be answered correctly?

The answers to the first three rounds and the next three rounds will be on Saturday morning.

Lots of people have kindly said they are enjoying the quiz; thanks to everyone, but I was thinking you were suffering here. Maybe the next ones need to be a little harder.........................

Other common comments refer to the enjoyment and laughter I'll get from seeing the answers. I haven't laughed once yet, honestly.

Good luck

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

We have another welcome new entry, in the form of Dave B in Malaysia. Out of now 31 entries we have 16 completed sets of answers.

There are lots of good scores, with more points gained as the pictures revealed more.

I have decided to award a bonus point to everyone who gets all three correct.

Keep them coming - this quizzing is hard work for the setter, but it's great to see people taking the time to put in their entries and remain interested.

Thanks to all once again. See you Saturday for the answers to the first three.

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Here are the answer pictures to the first three rounds.

1. Winter male REED BUNTING, Derbyshire, November 06. Hopefully in the last crop some of the black on the breast was visible, which should have given it away. This was the one most people got quickest.
2. WATER RAIL, same place, same date. Many people had no idea which part of the bird was visible in the first crop, and hence the guesses were really all over the place - understandably. In the third crop, however, you can just see some of the flank barring.
3. Juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Cornwall, September 06.This proved most difficult, with only one person getting it correct on the first crop. Well done Jane Turner! Most guesses were split between a duck and a wader, with many going for Teal and Curlew. In the second picture the yellowish legs wer ejust visible on close inspection, and in the thirs, the pale edges to the scapulars could be seen, as well as the clear Pectoral band.

In the next post I will put everyone's answers and scores.

Some people did not put in answers to all rounds, so the last answer they gave counts for their points.

The next round of three will follow a little later, as I only have one picture ready at the moment.

[Ghostly Vision]

I have tried to upload a spreadsheet with everyone's answers as they went along, and the corresponding scores, saved as a text document, but the columns went awry. Can anyone help?

In the lead with 9 points each are DAN POINTON, JANE TURNER & JWN ANDREWES. Well done indeed you three.

Hot on their heels with 8 points is EDENWATCHER, then six more contestants have 7 points each.

These points include a bonus for getting all three correct.

Don't be disheartened or embarrassed if you feature lower down in the table - there are plenty of points to be gained in the next round, and bigger bonuses in the final ones......and remember, I'm only setting this quiz because I'm cr@p myself!

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello all.

Rounds 4-6, three points for each one.

Good luck!

GV

[dan pointon]

Hello all.

Rounds 4-6, three points for each one.

Good luck!

GV

Oh GV, that last one's a bit easy ;)

[Jane Turner]

I have tried to upload a spreadsheet with everyone's answers as they went along, and the corresponding scores, saved as a text document, but the columns went awry. Can anyone help?

A cheating way is to Print screen - and paste it into paintbrush or similar - then save it as a jpeg.

[Ghostly Vision]

A cheating way is to Print screen - and paste it into paintbrush or similar - then save it as a jpeg.

Ha!!

See the attachments below!

GV

[Jane Turner]

it put the image of your screen into the clip board - you'll need to paste (ctrl V) when in Paintbrush.

Alternatively downlaod Mr Snappy - its free ever so useful - you can copy all or part of your screen to either a file or clipboard

[turkish van]

Am feeling a bit left out - is it too late to join?

[Ghostly Vision]

Turkish Van - of course you can join in. the scores are already high though!

I know one of these is worse than hard, verging on the difficulty of Jade Goody getting back into public favour. I'm not saying which at this stage.

Although you may think this is impossible, it is worth getting out the Collins Field Guide.

Here's an idea for a first, second and third prize - a day's birding with the BF member of your choice on their local patch - travel to them not included. Would everyone taking part be willing to give up a day for another BF member? It would be a great way for BF members to meet each other when they normally wouldn't.

GV

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Just to confirm, number one is the surface of Venus, right?

[dan pointon]

Just to confirm, number one is the surface of Venus, right?

Might as well be ;)

[Jane Turner]

Turkish Van - of course you can join in. the scores are already high though!

I know one of these is worse than hard, verging on the difficulty of Jade Goody getting back into public favour. I'm not saying which at this stage.

Although you may think this is impossible, it is worth getting out the Collins Field Guide.

Here's an idea for a first, second and third prize - a day's birding with the BF member of your choice on their local patch - travel to them not included. Would everyone taking part be willing to give up a day for another BF member? It would be a great way for BF members to meet each other when they normally wouldn't.

GV

Sounds like a great plan.

[Ghostly Vision]

Sounds like a great plan.

Looks like we've got a date then Jane, since I have managed to get all the answers correct so far! ;)

[Joe Ray]

What about a bogey prize?

[Ghostly Vision]

What about a bogey prize?

Yes, Firecrest - but you can provide the bogey.

We have an additional prize offer - a beautiful watercolour painting (unframed) of a male King eider, by past Bird Illustrator of the Year winner Jon Dunn. Thanks for your kind offer JD!!!

I will add a framed A4 print of anyone's choice - I don't have a website, but if you put Sean R Cole into Surfbirds Gallery search, the best ones I've taken are in there.

Happy guessing!

GV

[Helenelizabeth2]

Yes, Firecrest - but you can provide the bogey.

We have an additional prize offer - a beautiful watercolour painting (unframed) of a male King eider, by past Bird Illustrator of the Year winner Jon Dunn. Thanks for your kind offer JD!!!

I will add a framed A4 print of anyone's choice - I don't have a website, but if you put Sean R Cole into Surfbirds Gallery search, the best ones I've taken are in there.

Happy guessing!

GV

Hi, Sean. What's the deadline for this one? (If I decide to volunteer for a second round of public humiliation)

Helen

[JWN Andrewes]

Here's an idea for a first, second and third prize - a day's birding with the BF member of your choice on their local patch - travel to them not included. Would everyone taking part be willing to give up a day for another BF member? It would be a great way for BF members to meet each other when they normally wouldn't.

GV

I'm in, and I'll even throw in a cuppa tea & a bacon buttie!

James

[Ghostly Vision]

WARNING: There are some people taking this quiz VERY seriously!!!

Just to re-iterate one rule: Once you have made a guess on a set of pictures, you cannot change your mind - you have to wait until I post the next, easier set. Sorry.

Here are rounds 4-6, the two-point pictures. Some of you are going to be kicking yourselves......

Happy Guessing. I will, as before, put in the "easy" ones on Thursday evening.

GV

[sylvia staffs]

i will offer a trip round my local patches as a booby prize if anyone is intrested (i.e. Westport Lake, Black Bank/Apedale CP).!!!!!! :eek!:

Seriosly i will offer a people a trip round Staffs for any target species they may require a may even try to arrange a view of that rarirty in Staffs Ghostly Vision!!!!! ;)

Sylvia.

[Jane Turner]

Looks like we've got a date then Jane, since I have managed to get all the answers correct so far! ;)

Any time - but I'd wait to a period of extended SE winds and warm weather in late april up to late May if you want a chance of a goodie... if its big numbers of Knot, next month is the best.

[Ghostly Vision]

i will offer a trip round my local patches as a booby prize if anyone is intrested (i.e. Westport Lake, Black Bank/Apedale CP).!!!!!! :eek!:

Seriosly i will offer a people a trip round Staffs for any target species they may require a may even try to arrange a view of that rarirty in Staffs Ghostly Vision!!!!! ;)

Sylvia.

There was of course a rumour in the late 90's of a Wallcreeper in a Quarry between Asbourne and Leek - I drove past it several times and binned it from the road, even getting as far as asking at the Security gate but failing to gain access. So I'll take you up on your offer of a trip to see Wallcreeper in Staffs. It's a more likely possibility than seeing a Ghostly Vision in the county....

Jane - photo opportunities would be my favourite. That means stuff that stays still in good sunlight, quite close. But I wouldn't be able to use them for the next quiz!

GV

[dan pointon]

Arrrgh!! No1 wasn't as hard as it seemed.......should of gone with my gut instinct :(

[Jane Turner]

There was of course a rumour in the late 90's of a Wallcreeper in a Quarry between Asbourne and Leek - I drove past it several times and binned it from the road, even getting as far as asking at the Security gate but failing to gain access. So I'll take you up on your offer of a trip to see Wallcreeper in Staffs. It's a more likely possibility than seeing a Ghostly Vision in the county....

Jane - photo opportunities would be my favourite. That means stuff that stays still in good sunlight, quite close. But I wouldn't be able to use them for the next quiz!

GV

I can get you to within spitting distance of 10K common shore waders and thousands of horrid big gulls!

[Jane Turner]

Arrrgh!! No1 wasn't as hard as it seemed.......should of gone with my gut instinct :(

At least I got the right genus this time, unlike that Water rail!

[Jos Stratford]

Was having problems sending a PM this morning GV ...so you may have had several PMs from me or none at all, apologies if the first, please let me know if the second ;)

[Ghostly Vision]

Was having problems sending a PM this morning GV ...so you may have had several PMs from me or none at all, apologies if the first, please let me know if the second ;)

Hi Jos

No, only one PM, and there's plenty of room in the inbox.

Still 11 people not had a guess at the second lot in rounds 4-6. You have until Thursday, early evening.

The scores at the top are still very close, so maybe I need to put in a REALLY hard one to separate the adults from the children......seriously chaps, personally I think rounds 7-9 are quite easy and there will be a lot of 9-point scores that time around. Looks like it's going to be round ten that picks a winner, and that is going to be a bit special (though I haven't got a clue how yet. But it will, honest).

We also have an additional prize - Jules Sykes has kindly offered three night's B & B free for two people and some bird-guiding at his place in Spain. Thanks a lot Jules - much appreciated.

Many of you have also offered their services of a free day's guiding to your local patch. Thanks to everyone. We'll collate the prizes at the end and give them out to more than one person I feel.

Dan and Jane - both very confident about round four now - excellent. You both have different answers! No cheating now...
GV

[dan pointon]

Dan and Jane - both very confident about round four now - excellent. You both have different answers! No cheating now...
GV

Interesting, i'd still be willing to have money on my guesses....hmmmm... the excitement!! So what are the prizes then could you give us a round up!!! B (:

[Jane Turner]

I'm not that confident - just didn't have anything better to change to!

[bitterntwisted]

Sean, could we have a prize for most wrong answer? Worst guess for me so far is Sean F suggesting Black Woodpecker for the Water Rail in round 2. However, I'm fairly confident I have surpassed this this time round. Since this would be the only prize I could win, can it be Jules' B&B in Spain, please?

Thanks,
Graham

[Sean F]

Sean, could we have a prize for most wrong answer? Worst guess for me so far is Sean F suggesting Black Woodpecker for the Water Rail in round 2.

Seconded ;)

:D :D :D

[Jane Turner]

I thought that by Bearded Tit was further away taxonomically!

[Helenelizabeth2]

I thought that by Bearded Tit was further away taxonomically!

You can't win ALL the prizes, Jane! ;)

[Ghostly Vision]

Evenin' all

Here are the one-pointers for rounds 4-6. Still time to change your mind!!

GV

[eddieh]

Do you think it's too late to change my user name to Great Tit?

[Xenospiza]

I thought that by Bearded Tit was further away taxonomically!
Actually not – Black Woodpecker and Bearded Tit are similar in that respect.
According to Ericson et al, 2006 (Diversification of Neoaves:
integration of molecular sequence data and fossils) the worst answer taxonomically would either be Stock Dove or Little Grebe!

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello all,

Just been looking at the next three, which will be posted SATURDAY MORNING, and they will be either instantly recognisable or impossible!

The scores are close at the top - VERY close.

Here is the programme of events from now:

SATURDAY MORNING: Answers round 4-6 followed by difficult 7-9
MONDAY EVENING: Medium 7-9
WEDNESDAY: My birthday
THURSDAY EVENING: Easy 7-9
SATURDAY MORNING: Answers 7-9 and scores to date. Then:

ROUND 10 - FINAL ROUND. Five points up for grabs on the last, single round. This is called the CROPJIG. Five different crops of the same bird, all difficult, but getting slightly easier. Each one shows a slightly different part of the bird, so you can put them together in your head (or indeed photoshop) to try and piece together the whole bird. One guess per crop, starting at 5 points down to one point if you get it on the fifth picture. I have just completed it and I think it is EVIL. I will reveal a new crop every other day.

Hopefully it will be so difficult nobody will want me to do another quiz again!

SUNDAY after next: Round 10 answer and final points with Prizegiving.

I will summarize the prizes tomorrow (Sat). The prizes will work like this:

I will list those on offer and, like a raffle, the winner gets first choice. Second gets second choice etc. until they have all gone. So even those in the middle of the field will win something.

Hope this is all clear!

GV

[edenwatcher]

Sounds good.
Here's another prize to add: a day out round Fife etc. with yrs. truly.

Rob

[Jurij Hanžel]

Actually not – Black Woodpecker and Bearded Tit are similar in that respect.
According to Ericson et al, 2006 (Diversification of Neoaves:
integration of molecular sequence data and fossils) the worst answer taxonomically would either be Stock Dove or Little Grebe!I win, I win!!! Do I get a prize for this??

[Jules Sykes]

Sounds good.
Here's another prize to add: a day out round Fife etc. with yrs. truly.

Rob

What's the booby prize 2 days out in Fife ;)

Seriously, a top prize from one of Fife's best, could also produce so excellent species if the lucky winner goes April/May time.

Hope your well Rob and keeping a careful eye on Eck et al at the Guardbridge Hide.

Cheers Jules

[edenwatcher]

What's the booby prize 2 days out in Fife ;)

Seriously, a top prize from one of Fife's best, could also produce so excellent species if the lucky winner goes April/May time.

Hope your well Rob and keeping a careful eye on Eck et al at the Guardbridge Hide.

Just at minute I reckon the booby prize would be 2 days out in Fife ...
Eck still going strong despite threats to quit on his 80th. Must call in on him and find out how he's been gripping me off ...
ATB

Rob

[Xenospiza]

I win, I win!!! Do I get a prize for this??
I can show you either (or Black Woodpecker) on my local patch, hahaha!

[Jurij Hanžel]

I can show you either (or Black Woodpecker) on my local patch, hahaha!Well, I have an excuse to go to the Netherlands now ;)
I think I'll rather wait for an absolute mega to turn up near your local patch (Which part of the Netherlands?), twitch the mega ans then opt for a guided tour with the target species being Little Grebe, Stock Dove and Black Woodie :P I wonder if they're any different from the ones we see in Slovenia.

[Xenospiza]

I'm in the southeast of the Netherlands, where almost every rarity disappears within hours (sometimes even minutes – much is seen migrating over) after discovery. Luckily I don't strive for a high position in the regional ranking... The coast is always one-and-a-half to two hours away, which is not good!

[JWN Andrewes]

I'm in the southeast of the Netherlands, where almost every rarity disappears within hours (sometimes even minutes – much is seen migrating over) after discovery. Luckily I don't strive for a high position in the regional ranking... The coast is always one-and-a-half to two hours away, which is not good!

Good grief! One-and-a half to two hours is a gift of a twitch over here! It's the five-and-a-half to six hour ones that are not so good! ;)

James

[Ghostly Vision]

...Did I also mention the kind offer from Jos Stratford of two day's birding in Lthuania accompanied by his good self???

This quiz has turned out to be really worth winning - I think I might enter myself.

GV

[lou salomon]

I win, I win!!! Do I get a prize for this??

no, jurij, we win - i'm the one with stock dove :D

[lou salomon]

Good grief! One-and-a half to two hours is a gift of a twitch over here! It's the five-and-a-half to six hour ones that are not so good! ;)

James

beat you with that - stuttgart is about 8 hours from the next coast (except you go by ICE: it takes 5 h to hamburg). a herring gull (saw one yesterday at the local river) is a rarity(!) in schwaben-land.

[Hotspur]

I can offer a booby prize of a tour round the lower derwent valley.

[Jurij Hanžel]

I suppose I could offer the not-so-booby prize of a day's birding (possibly two day's) in Slovenia.

[Ghostly Vision]

I suppose I could offer the not-so-booby prize of a day's birding (possibly two day's) in Slovenia.

Hi Jurij

Wallcreeper? Hazel grouse? Tengmalm's owl? Count me in!

Any Orchids? Neottianthe cuculata is a speciality of your area, and occurs in northern Poland. Any idea if it occurs in Slovenia?

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Anyway, here are the answers to rounds 4-6:

1. Ruddy turnstone, St Ives, Cornwall, September 06
2. Azure-winged magpie, Algarve, Portugal, June 06
3. Green/striated/green-backed etc heron, Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, Nov 05

The first one was cropped so heavily as to have been almost impossible. However, two contestants did post the answer before I put out the second lot of pics. Unfortunately they had already had a guess, so the change didn't count!!

The second threw a lot of people also, given that it was a bird only occurring in Iberia and I'm from Middle England - and it was clearly on a bird table eating bread!! I was as surprised as anyone (having seen the species in Spain in 1986) at how tame these birds were.

The third perhaps proved the easiest, and it seems a quick reference to Collins Birdguide, once one had established that it was a heron species, was enough to get the answer.

I will post the scores later, & in a minute or two are the three-pointers for rounds 7-9.

Enjoy!

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Fingers at the ready......rounds 7-9......

[bitterntwisted]

Hasn't Green Heron been split? So Striated (or Little, or Mangrove) Heron is wrong? This is virescens, not striatus, isn't it? Although Green-Bakced Heron, the lumpers term for all taxa, would also be correct, I guess.

Graham

[JWN Andrewes]

Crumbs! Got ideas for all three, but I'm going to hang fire and give this due consideration. Can't be having a repeat of the Turnstone fiasco!

James

[Jurij Hanžel]

Any Orchids? Neottianthe cuculata is a speciality of your area, and occurs in northern Poland. Any idea if it occurs in Slovenia?

GVWell northern Poland is quite some distance from Slovenia, maybe too far if this orchid is a localised speciality. I do know a few good botanists and I'll certainly ask around.

[Ghostly Vision]

Hasn't Green Heron been split? So Striated (or Little, or Mangrove) Heron is wrong? This is virescens, not striatus, isn't it? Although Green-Bakced Heron, the lumpers term for all taxa, would also be correct, I guess.

Graham

Point taken, Graham, but I haven't saved all the answers, so I have been kind to everyone who named any of the previously lumped Green-backed and gave everyone the points.

I don't think it will have made much of a difference to the scores overall.

Sorry for being thick on that.

GV

[Helenelizabeth2]

Point taken, Graham, but I haven't saved all the answers, so I have been kind to everyone who named any of the previously lumped Green-backed and gave everyone the points.

I don't think it will have made much of a difference to the scores overall.

Sorry for being thick on that.

GV

Well, surely if you go back far enough (the middle ages, perhaps) it would be considered to be the same bird as Purple Heron too! ;)

Helen

[ody]

Well, surely if you go back far enough (the middle ages, perhaps) it would be considered to be the same bird as Purple Heron too! ;)

Helen

Hi, Helen! I agree with you. My guess till the end was also purple Heron! |=)|

[Ghostly Vision]

Here are the scores so far, with the answers to rounds 4-6.

Thanks for your help Ody!

GV

[ody]

Here are the scores so far, with the answers to rounds 4-6.

Thanks for your help Ody!

GV

My help is a little work in front of your work. |=)|

[Ghostly Vision]

Well northern Poland is quite some distance from Slovenia, maybe too far if this orchid is a localised speciality. I do know a few good botanists and I'll certainly ask around.

Hi Jurij

I have checked and Neottianthe cuculata does not occur in Slovenia.

Epipogium aphyllum does, though, and I would be most interested in a visit to see that in your country.

GV

[Joe Ray]

Oh dear, please remove my score from the table, it's $#!@! I'm better than that (I like to think)! ;)

[Ghostly Vision]

Oh dear, please remove my score from the table, it's $#!@! I'm better than that (I like to think)! ;)

Don't worry Jyothi - you did get a point at the last minute, so you have one more than it shows on the table ;)

GV

[JWN Andrewes]

Hello all,


SATURDAY MORNING: Answers round 4-6 followed by difficult 7-9
MONDAY EVENING: Medium 7-9
WEDNESDAY: My birthday
THURSDAY EVENING: Easy 7-9
SATURDAY MORNING: Answers 7-9 and scores to date. Then:



GV


What no update? Busy elsewhere Monday evening by any chance!?

James

ps - hope you nailed it. Hope, also, that it's still there this afternoon!

[Ghostly Vision]

What no update? Busy elsewhere Monday evening by any chance!?

James

ps - hope you nailed it. Hope, also, that it's still there this afternoon!

My mistake James - I didn't check back and thought I was posting them Tuesday evening.

Knaresborough is less than two hours from me, but I can't go until tomorrow, so good luck. Glad there is access now.

Since I have nearly all the answers in, here are the belated second crops for 7-9.

GV (feeling VERY twitchy today)

[JWN Andrewes]

Hope you have a happy, and above all successful, birthday!

James

[lou salomon]

successful or not - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SEAN!!! :loveme: B (: B (: :loveme:

[Ghostly Vision]

Successful it was - and here's a frame-filler (not part of the quiz) to prove it. Check out the chinstrap!

Thanks for all the wishes on my TWO birthday threads


Sean

[Jos Stratford]

A fitting birthday present, and belated best wishes for the day ;)

[Xenospiza]

Congrats! Looks a bit ghostly...

[Ghostly Vision]

Thanks for all the PM's with guesses for the crops - not looked at them yet, been a bit busy and all. Will post later

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello all

Here are the final crops for 7-9.

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Top o' the mornin' to you all.

Here are the answers to rounds 7-9.

7: Cream-coloured courser, Scilly October 2004
8. Rock bunting, Monchique, Portugal, June 2006
9: Rustic bunting, Fife, May 2005

The scores and answers follow......

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Here are the current socres and the answers given for rounds 7-9.

Note that where someone put in an answer during the second crops, but not after I had posted their last crop, I use the previous answer.

Many were confident after the second lot and didn't bother - or need - to change their answers. There were a good number of people who got all three correct after the initial crops.

The water in the third one did confuse some, and the second one proved hardest.

As you can see, James Andrewes and Dan Pointon maintain a one-point lead over Jane Turner, who in turn has a one-point lead over Dave Bradnum and Jurij Hanzel. One point behind them, i.e. only three points behind the leaders, are Andrew, Edenwatcher and Harry H. Any of you could win this!!!

Those below the leaders will still be in for a prize, so keep trying on round ten.

I also do plan to offer a prize to the most wrong answer (in my opinion), and one for special effort.

Round ten, picture one - worth FIVE points, will be posted shortly. Picture 2 worth four points will be on Monday evening.

Thanks once again to all those taking part.

[Ghostly Vision]

ROUND 10 - THE FINAL ROUND

Here is round ten, picture one for five points. You have until Monday evening!

James Andrewes, one of the leaders, is out of the country until Monday, so I won't have his answer until then. Very exciting!!

Happy guessing

GV

[Joe Ray]

That should be worth 20! I give up.

[Jane Turner]

Would seem that I have picked a bad time to a - be travelling, and b - have the colour balance go on my monitor.... I have no cyan signal, so everything is deep magenta!

Is this white, cream etc... and are there any other tones visible?

[dan pointon]

Hi Jane,

It's pretty white, with an orangey hue towards the right of the shot. Can't work out whether thats just shadow though. V v hard.....

[dbradnum]

Oh no!

The bulk of the image is pretty clean white, graduating into some orangey-buff tones in the right-hand 20% of the pic. (Or at least it is on my monitor!)

[Andrew]

Jane, it's all pink! ;)

[Ghostly Vision]

Further to a request, I paste the last scores onto this message - sorry about the bleeding over of the columns.

Andrew C 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 25
Andrew Whitehouse 3 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 22
Bittern twisted 3 3 2 3 1 1 13
Cornish Exile 2 2 1 3 1 3 1 13
D Bradnum 3 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 26
Dan P 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 28
Dave B 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 1 3 3 21
DDD Diver 1 2 1 1 3 1 9
Déjà vu 0
Dryocopus 0
EddieH 1 1 2
Edenwatcher 3 3 1 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 25
Firecrest 2 1 3
Gavin Haig 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 16
Harry H 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 25
Helen Elizabeth 1 1 2 3 2 9
Hotspur 3 2 2 3 2 1 13
Jane T 3 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 27
Jos S 1 3 2 2 2 2 3 1 3 3 22
Jules S 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 2 16
Jurij H 3 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 26
JWN Anrdewes 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 28
Larry L 3 3 1 7
Lou S 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 20
MSA 0
Net Falco 2 2 2 2 1 3 12
Ody 1 1 1 3
Pelican Crossing 1 3 3 2 9
Pluvius 2 2
Sean F 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 13
Sylvia Staffs 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 21
Xenospiza 3 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 22
Turkish Van 2 2 1 2 1 1 9

[Ghostly Vision]

Jane

The bird in round 10 crop 1 is basically whitish, with very diffuse grey strwaking, turning buff towards the right of the picture. No Orange tones.

Terribly bad co-incidences for you - sorry, I'll leave it on a day longer if that helps.

No answer yet from either of the two leaders.

GV

[Jane Turner]

Thanks.... I'll have a think and send something tonight - connections allowing!

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello everyone

Here is the second picture in round ten. People are saying they found the first one difficult. Not sure why.

This one might give it away

GV

[dan pointon]

Might it?!?!?!

[Jos Stratford]

Might it?!?!?!


Quite, just further persuades me my first guess was wrong!

[Ghostly Vision]

Forgot to mention that the next picture will be posted early Wednesday evening.

It will definitely give the answer to those with a sharp eye, lateral mind and a warped sense of perspective.

I hope.

GV

[turkish van]

Was the last one inside out or something?

[Ghostly Vision]

Crop 3.

Very intriguing answers so far, which I feel will all change now. Well, nearly all.

GV

[Jane Turner]

can I just check Sean - this is the same species, possibly the same individual, but not the same photograph... is that correct?

[Ghostly Vision]

Hi Jane/all,

Just to clarify

1. So far there are three pieces of the same bird, and the next two will be two more different pieces of the same bird

2. They are all taken from the same photograph of the same bird, same species

3. None have been tampered with from the point of view of colour

4. They are all the right way up as it was in the original photograph

The next picture will be posted tomorrow afternoon.

I have had two correct answers so far. If those people change their answer before the end, they will lose the points. Keep your eyes on the pictures and if you feel you are 100% correct, don't change!!!!

Everyone will have it right by picture five, don't worry!!!!

Thanks for all the guesses, hopefully you are getting as jaded by the quiz as me now!

I am already planning my next, even more exciting one, which will be shorter and just for fun. Keep trawling those books and Google images!

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

Crop number four.....

GV

[Ghostly Vision]

..and here is the last one.

Answer and results on Tuesday


GV

[lou salomon]

very cool. and this one? :frog:

[Conorbirda2]

Am I too late to join in?

[Jurij Hanžel]

Am I too late to join in?I'm afraid so, the answer to the final mystery crop is to be revealed tomorrow.

[Ghostly Vision]

Hello all,

Here is the answer to crop 10. It was a Tree sparrow. Check the picture to make sure I didn't cheat - the bits are all there!

Tomorrow I'll post the scores.

WE HAVE A SINGLE WINNER.

See you then!

Sean

[Jos Stratford]

Typical, the single bird I see most often - over a hundred outside my window and still I didn't get it!

[Xenospiza]

Yes, it's pathetic. I saw 200 this weekend...

[Jane Turner]

It still looks bright pink on my monitor. Glad I was away at the end of last week or I'd have been even more frustrated

[lou salomon]

don't worry jane. that crown detail looked rather pinkish to me too. without any monitor trouble. nonetheless - deep shame on me for failing in this last puzzle :-C :-C :storm:

[Ghostly Vision]

Here are the final scores.

Well done James Andrewes.

Sorry Dan - close second, but James's inspired answer on the second crop of the last round gave him the extra point. Up until then you were neck and neck.

I will post a list of prizes later. If James wants to pick first, and post his choice on the public forum, then Dan and Jurij can do the same.

Because third place was tied, perhaps we could see what each of you would like out of the remaining choices?

I will also award special prizes to certain individuals for other reasons than pure points.

Thanks again to everyone for taking part in what turned out to be a really long quiz. It's been fun to watch it progress.

See you later

GV

In case you can't open the attachment, scores are:

1st JWN Andrewes 32
2nd Dan Pointon 31
3rd Jurij H 29

4th= D Bradnum
Edenwatcher 27
Jane T
7th= Andrew
Harry H 26
9th= Andrew W
Jos S 22
Sylvia Staffs
Xenospiza

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Well done to James and thanks to Sean for what I reckon was the best (and sometimes most infuriating!) quiz in the history of Birdforum.

I really didn't have much of a clue on the last one. Isn't it obvious when you know.

[edenwatcher]

Great fun and frustration in equal measure. Thought I would drop further down with the last one, which I ought to have got sooner.

Rob

[sylvia staffs]

A big thank you from me to sean for taking the time and effort to set up the quiz. Its been really good fun and equally frustrating at times!!!!!

Thanks again Sean :loveme:

Hopefully i will see you/speak to you soon.

Sylvia.

[Jane Turner]

Cheers Sean - I think!

[dbradnum]

Another big thankyou to Sean, and congratulations to anyone that got the final round before I did!

As for James coming up with the right answer after only two crops... well, that just indicates a worthy winner! Nice one!

[Andrew]

Well done to Sean for organising this enjoyable thread and to James for his good skills.

[Sean F]

Yes, plenty of thanks are in order for a great quiz.

Thanks Sean!

[ody]

Congratulation to the winners and the organisator!

We are waiting for the second ten pics! We just warmed up!
;)

[jason stannage]

thanks Sean for organising this enjoyable thread great quiz top draw B (: B (:

[dan pointon]

Yeah cheers to GV for the organisation side, and well done to JWN for nailing that last pic in crop 2 - good skills!!

D

[Gavin Haig]

Excellent quiz, Sean, but w-a-a-a-y too addictive.......... |=)|

Cheers for putting the effort in to create it - fair bit of work, I'll bet. Nice one.


Congrats, James!!! Bet your stock of midnight oil is a bit low now!

[JWN Andrewes]

Thanks all, jolly good fun, that was! Only wish I could figure it out in the field!

And thanks Sean, a most diverting quiz.

James

[Jurij Hanžel]

It's now my turn to congratulate both Sean and James.

Sean, a most enjoyable quiz, designed in a way that kept us on tenterhooks until the very end.

James, good guesses throughout the game and especially on the last crop; a well-deserved victory.

[JWN Andrewes]

It's now my turn to congratulate both Sean and James.

Sean, a most enjoyable quiz, designed in a way that kept us on tenterhooks until the very end.

James, good guesses throughout the game and especially on the last crop; a well-deserved victory.

What do you mean, "guesses"?! ;)

James

[Ghostly Vision]

Hahaha

Thanks to all, but I enjoyed doing it. Better than looking a Parus having a go at someone else's quiz!

Was concerned towards the end that people were getting a little bored; certainnly fewer answers came in ont he last round (perhaps it was a touch too difficult).

It's worth noting that out of ten species, and 32 chances to get it correct, James only "guessed" wrong three times, and in every case the nex time he put in an answer it was correct!

We shouldn't forget also that Dan was only one wrong guess behind JWN.

Been massivley busy, so will be posting the prize list Saturday sometime.

You'll all just have to wait til my next cunning quiz. In the meantime I plan to do a quick one for the BFers on the other side of the Atlantic.....

All bookings for bird quizzes at your local Ornithological Society meetings welcomed. I don't charge much! ;)

[Andrew]

I held back on answering on the last one as I was genuinely stumped at some stages of it. Not bored at all.

[Jurij Hanžel]

What do you mean, "guesses"?! ;)

JamesErrr, well ...
They were educated ones ...
And remarkably correct! One could call them answers as well ;)

[Helenelizabeth2]

Thanks very much, Sean. I both really enjoyed it and I think learnt a lot from it. I am also absolutely amazed at the skill of some people in getting these right from the early crops - something for me to aspire to. Congratulations to all you clever folk.

Cheers
Helen

[Ghostly Vision]

Hi all,

Here are the prizes (any I've missed, please correct me).

Short break in Spain with Oliva Rama tours (Jules), including guiding and Accomm for two people, but not flights

Short-break in Lithuania with Jos - again, flights not included

Original Watercolour of King eider (unframed) by Jon Dunn

Day's birding with various BF members, including

Jane Turner (Merseyside)
Sylvia (Staffs)
Andrew Whitehouse (Fife)
Me (anywhere you like - we'll meet up)

A4 print (framed) from my photo collection, inlcudes birds, butterflies and Flowers (mainly Orchids). Name a species and I'll see if I've got it. Sorry, I don't have a website and Surfbirds is down.

Before anyone nominates a prize for themself, can anyone add anything to the list? If not, James - which would you prefer?

In addition to the above I award a special prize to Larry Lade, for whom the quiz must have been VERY difficult. I will send you an unframed photo (or Email it for you to print). PM me with any preferred species).

I will also send a pic to the people who gave the three worst answers in my opinion - I'll list them when I've trawled my laptop.

Happy days!!

Sean

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Nice prizes Sean - think I might have moved though!

[Larry Lade]

This quiz did prove to be a little too much for me, even though I was able to get a couple of them correct! I am anticipating one on North American birds. Perhaps I can fare a little better on that one!

[dantheman]

I will also send a pic to the people who gave the three worst answers in my opinion - I'll list them when I've trawled my laptop.Maybe I should have joined in after all, sound like nice prizes, I could have had a fair attempt for this one at least. . .

Not really sure if I could've coped with all those feather close-ups though(o)< , been sort of fun watching, well done all ;)

[edenwatcher]

'Twas me offering the day out in Fife ...

Rob

[Ghostly Vision]

My 1764 map of Scotland puts Aberdeen in Fife. Has the border moved? Or is it my memory that has shifted?

Stand corrected. Andrew, you shouldn't call yourself the all new Fife birder! Does that mean we have a prize of a day out in the Aberdeen area too?

JWN we need you to make a choice please?

Sean

[Andrew Whitehouse]

We do indeed have the thrilling prize of a day out in the Aberdeen area on offer. You can probably put James down for that one - clearly the best prize on offer ;).

[dan pointon]

Cumon JWN what prize are you takin'?!?!?

[JWN Andrewes]

Sorry chaps, bit tardy here! King Eider Water colour please!

James

[dan pointon]

Well naturally i'll have to take the Spanish trip then....

[Ghostly Vision]

Well naturally i'll have to take the Spanish trip then....

So it was just like coming first for you!!

You will need to PM Jules Sykes, Dan, to arrange.

Jurij - you were third - do you have a prize choice?

Next were D Bradnum, Edenwatcher and Jane Turner - all on equall points, so fight amongst yourselves!! Of course, if Edenwatcher and Jane have a day out together that's kind of two prizes gone in one fell swoop!

GV

[Jurij Hanžel]

OK, I'm taking Lithuania. Don't know how soon I can get there, but I'll make it eventually - don't hold your breath, Jos!

[Jane Turner]

Do you have a print of a yellow-browed warbler?

[Ghostly Vision]

Hi Jane

No, sorry; might be a little while before I can get out and get one too!! Because I digiscope most of the passerines I get pics of are sitters not foragers.

I could maybe whack together a sketch for you?

Sean