DOC REED
Well-known member
Is it a classic male Mealy as per photos and description on pp13-14?
Overall stocky appearance with white/grey with barely any hint of buff/brown, except on wings.
Thick white wing bar.
No apparent eye ring.
Darker grey defined ear covet patch.
Pale pink blush evident on underparts.
Extensive white rump is unstreaked with pink blush.
Dark bib and loral region appears extensive in comparison to face
Bill looks strong, but photo could be deceptive in this pose
I have no field experience of arctic forms and Collins is very lacking in up-to-date Redpoll knowledge, but based on this guide I would say it's too dark and heavily streaked for any of the arctic forms.
I'd be interested to see any other photos and hear more experienced opinions.
Cheers Ben
Hadn't seen that link before...have been following Durham site..as they have Arctics up there.Whats confusing for me ....have been learning with these birds all winter.....feel able to separate most mealy/lesser now...but this bird was fluffed up, not stocky at all...and the palest rump, unstreaked, that I have seen yet...they are not easy....looking at Durham pics, its still probably not white enough, but Arctic is reported with pinkish tinged rump.
My initial comments said it all...''dubbed mealy'', but its nigh on impossible in the field. A sprwak spooked this lot early in my afternoon..didn't connect again..but there are some 'pale' redpolls here.....like i said ..OCD!!!