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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Mealy Redpoll West Mids (1 Viewer)

interesting discussion going on in (redpoll id ottawa post)looking at some of there photos some look just like this bird? and most seem to think arctic, seem to remember bill to be slightly bigger on exilipes than islandica (might be wrong, old age creeping up on me??lol)
 
interesting discussion going on in (redpoll id ottawa post)looking at some of there photos some look just like this bird? and most seem to think arctic, seem to remember bill to be slightly bigger on exilipes than islandica (might be wrong, old age creeping up on me??lol)

The bill lenghts according to Svensson's passerine guide:
exilipes 7.0-9.6 mm
islandica 8.0-10.3 mm

There is much overlap, but islandica has on average longer bills. I have often heard that the bill looks shorter on Arctic Redpolls due to the fluffier feathering at the base of the bill, despite the actual bill lengths overlapping greatly.

One thing still to be considered about this bird is the lack of buffish or yellow tones that are typical to 1st winter Arctic Redpolls. However, in the Collins guide there are two pictures depicting 1st winter Arctic Redpoll, one with yellow tones and one lacking them (the one that also depicts an adult female).
 
very interesting reading janj,thanks.
looking at these common redpolls all seem to have a very dull white wing bar,as the marsh lane bird had a very bright white bar that was very prominent even on a very dull day when i visited.
 
I've seen hornemanii in North Scotland and they really are incredibly "fluffy-ball" looking when they perch, with the feathering around the flanks sweeping round in front of the wings and a very fluffed rump. I would say that they are probably the most "obvious" Arctic Redpoll in the field. I don't think this bird is hornemanii.

There is a cracking example here

http://bp1.blogger.com/_a4UBJqmPN7A.../S2JL3mW0ils/s1600-h/Arctic-Redpoll1_2006.jpg

(Photo, Paul Baxter, http://fairislebirds.blogspot.com/2007/07/redpoll-gallery.html)

John.

Yep the whole Redpoll id is a bit of a mess I agree. As with the mytery Icelandic birds mentioned I have seen similar pale birds breeding in North West Scotland and I haven't a clue what they are either.


 
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I've seen hornemanii in North Scotland and they really are incredibly "fluffy-ball" looking when they perch, with the feathering around the flanks sweeping round in front of the wings and a very fluffed rump. I would say that they are probably the most "obvious" Arctic Redpoll in the field. I don't think this bird is hornemanii.

There is a cracking example here

http://bp1.blogger.com/_a4UBJqmPN7A.../S2JL3mW0ils/s1600-h/Arctic-Redpoll1_2006.jpg

(Photo, Paul Baxter, http://fairislebirds.blogspot.com/2007/07/redpoll-gallery.html)

John.

Yep the whole Redpoll id is a bit of a mess I agree. As with the mytery Icelandic birds mentioned I have seen similar pale birds breeding in North West Scotland and I haven't a clue what they are either.

Hi jpoyner

I dont think any of us midland birders beleive it's hornemaniii!!?? i think personally it's Common Redpoll of at a guess Islandica looking at the literature etc (but it seems a very grey area for many Brit birders?) An interesting bird at the very least!! with a comment off a ex British Cage Bird Judge (who happened to specialise in Redpolls) who was convinced from his views it wasn't Common Redpoll(Mealy) but either Islandica or Arctic origin!!!!! Yes i know Islandica is a race of common!!!!!!!!
 
Anyone know what a substantial deposite means £5, £10, to get into Marsh lane ?

I have a feeling it's £20, but dont quote me on that (although i should know by now). You get it back as soon as you deliver the key back though. Bit shocking i know but it's because when the Hoopoe was there the other year lots of people neglected to bring the keys back
 
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I'm a conscientious objector on non Horny Redpolls.

The birds that I have seen on the outer Hebs removed any last vestiges of confidence I had on the exilipes/Mealy boundary. I've still to tick Arctic Redpoll despite seeing plenty of good candidates in the big year!
 
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Iam Confused whats all the fuss its only a very pale Mealy. (Or is it ?).:eek!:
Steve........
 

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I'm a conscientious objector on non Horny Redpolls.

The birds that I have seen on the outer Hebs removed any last vestiges of confidence I had on the exilipes/Mealy boundary. I've still to tick Arctic Redpoll despite seeing plenty of good candidates in the big year!

get down and see this bird jane you wont be disappointed and you'll get your tick??
 

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