Dunlin sp help! (1 Viewer)

P

Pendulinus

New member

• Nov 17, 2007

• #1

On Thursday afternoon several of us were observing this Dunlin (see atached pic) at Minsmere reserve UK.

The bird appeared to be different to our normal Dunlin as it had a much longer, downcurved bill, darker upperparts and more mottled, messy breast, and it was slightly larger with a more hunched apperarance.

Any ideas as to race etc would be much appreciated.

 

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  alpinasp01.jpg

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P

Pendulinus

New member

• Nov 17, 2007

• #2

Another pic of Dunlin sp.

 

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  alpinasp02.jpg

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delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Nov 17, 2007

• #3

Hi Pendulinus I see this is your first post, so may I welcome you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators at Bird Forum

I'm sure someone will be along soon to help you

D

 

gareth_blockley

Smile people

• Nov 17, 2007

• #4

I'm not sure so would wait for the pro's but i think a long bill and lighter face are good indicators of an 'eastern' bird.

Gareth

I have just had a quick look through here http://www.dunlin.se/ theres a lot of info on dunlin there!

 

Last edited: Nov 17, 2007

R

Robin Pearson

Herts irregular

• Nov 17, 2007

• #5

I'm no pro but it would appear to have similarities with the scandinavian race schinzii (hope I've spelt that right!)

 

nickderry

C'est pas ma faute, je suis anglais.

• Nov 17, 2007

• #6

The bird is moulting into (I think) its first winter plumage (white edges to the greater coverts - someone will put me right if this is wrong). So it's still got the mottling on its belly from the juvenile plumage and a few juvenile feathers on its back, which will be replaced to form a uniform grey back. The longer bill and larger size is a feature of northern "alpina" birds. Welcome to birdforum.