Ghostly Vision said:
Jeez, thanks guys - for nothing. It looked like it might be easy for the experts.
I couldn't find it in my book next to the other ducks (they only show them side-on, so I can't tell from my picture, and I didn't actually look at the bird in the field, I was too busy photographing it with my £1000 scope, £150 adaptor, and £300 camera with a £50 memory card in it).
Maybe one of the real experts will be able to come along and help? At this rate, I might be put off from posting queries like this again.....
Think I'd better "duck"
GV
Ah, now I'm getting confused by the irony and counter irony - I can't work out where I fit in now.
I've only been birding less than two years, but I work hard at it as often as work allows (I sketch, note take, read, work out my own IDs and observe as closely as I can, according to 'best practice'). As a result of this, I do now know a Shoveler from a Mallard at most angles (although I can still remember sitting in a hide at Cley and finding that difficult with females in late summer). By ploughing most of my free time into this hobby / obsession, I've managed to slowly creep towards seeing 200 UK species (although I've still got a little way to go). I submit everything to the county recorder.
However, I still struggle with plenty of LBJ's, quite a few ducks, scoters and divers, winter waders and loads more besides. I still ask stupid questions whenever anyone will listen. I've also got a £1,000 scope (although I didn't pay that for it, thanks Warehouse Express), a £300 camera and a £50 memory card. (made my own adaptor out of a pill pot and gaffa tape though). My bins are pretty good too. Does this make me a dude? If so, is there an official ID test I can take to find out when I can stop being one?
:h?:
ps but back on thread, I agree 100% with James - most birders are sharers and long may this continue. Thanks to everyone who has shared their expertise with me to date (you know who you are), and to everyone still to do so (you probably don't know who you are, yet). Never be afraid to ask - if anyone refuses to help, or makes a snide remark, it's their problem, not yours.