Sorry to bother again ... (1 Viewer)

Mike Robinson

Well-known member

• Dec 21, 2012

• #1

but I automatically assumed the bird (seen beside Southend Pier, Essex, today) per the attached picture to be a Black-Tailed Godwit. However, I'm wondering if it might instead be a Bar-Tailed Godwit please. The birds I see further upstream seem to have gentle beige coloured backs (I hope that make sense).

I promise this is the last time I shall both anyone today.

Thanks Mike ....

 

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Last edited: Dec 21, 2012

Phil Andrews

It's only Rock and Roller but I like it

• Dec 21, 2012

• #2

Exeat said:

but I automatically assumed the bird (seen beside Southend Pier, Essex, today) per the attached picture to be a Black-Tailed Godwit. However, I'm wondering if it might instead be a Bar-Tailed Godwit please. The birds I see further upstream seem to have gentle beige coloured backs (I hope that make sense).

I promise this is the last time I shall both anyone today.

Thanks Mike ....

Click to expand...

Picture?

 

Mike Robinson

Well-known member

• Dec 21, 2012

• #3

Sorry. It was there but it seemed to disappear. I have popped it back in again.

 

James Emerson

Norwich Birder

• Dec 21, 2012

• #4

Exeat said:

but I automatically assumed the bird (seen beside Southend Pier, Essex, today) per the attached picture to be a Black-Tailed Godwit. However, I'm wondering if it might instead be a Bar-Tailed Godwit please. The birds I see further upstream seem to have gentle beige coloured backs (I hope that make sense).

I promise this is the last time I shall both anyone today.

Thanks Mike ....

Click to expand...

Bar-tailed Godwit. As you say, Black-tailed Godwits tend to have a more uniform back in winter whilst Bar-tailed are more marked.

 

Mike Robinson

Well-known member

• Dec 21, 2012

• #5

Thanks very much ....

 

nickderry

C'est pas ma faute, je suis anglais.

• Dec 21, 2012

• #6

agreed, bar tailed - I disagree with you thinking that you're a bother though! We all love identifying pictures for people, any that you have, don't hesitate! Really!

 

Keith Dickinson

Well-known member

Opus Editor

• Dec 21, 2012

• #7

A rough rule to follow is the ratio of length of leg above the 'knee' to that below the 'knee'. In your photo you can see that the length above is smaller than the length below the knee, ergo bar-tailed as bar is shorter than black.

 

dantheman

Bah humbug

• Dec 21, 2012

• #8

You can also see the barred tail on this one ... (and stronger supercilium, plus other features mentioned)

 

Mike Robinson

Well-known member

• Dec 22, 2012

• #9

Thanks very much: you are all very kind .....