Yorkshire Birding (76 Viewers)

[Sc0tty]

It's not from Yorkshire but I thought this short film of a murmuration was worth sharing.
Martin
http://goodmenproject.com/bits-and-...al-bird-women-canoe-event-will-stun-megasahd/

Now that's what you call a murmuration.

 

[Nick Tonge]

It's not from Yorkshire but I thought this short film of a murmuration was worth sharing.
Martin
http://goodmenproject.com/bits-and-...al-bird-women-canoe-event-will-stun-megasahd/

Not sure about the music, but that is a sight to behold. Thanks for sharing.

 

[AndyK]

Not sure about the music, but that is a sight to behold. Thanks for sharing.

Agreed, why do people always ruin a good murmuration with shite music!
Great video though, a sight I long to see.

 

[neillsgonebirdin]

Two-barred Crossbill

I'm happy that the county delivered a nice group of Two-Barred Crossbills this winter. It's been 23 years since I saw one, a female in Norfolk, the Yorkshire birds are far more pleasing to the eye! and camera...photo here http://twootz.com/bird-watching-gallery/

 

[BirdFlower]

Bittern, Tophill Low, North Marsh, 28/1/14

More pics to be added to the blog later

 

[northernloon]

Remarkable picture Michael :t:

 

[Keith Dickinson]

I'll second that, very lucky to be in the right place with the camera.

 

[melodious]

Does anyone happen to have any detail on the possible NW Redpoll seen at Fairburn yesterday?

 

[pcurpb]

It wasn't reported to the Visitor Centre at the time and has not been seen by anyone else - at least until 3pm today.

 

[Jayel]

Does anyone happen to have any detail on the possible NW Redpoll seen at Fairburn yesterday?

Excuse being a thicko (?) but NW Redpoll....? :eek!: I've tried looking in my Collins but...........
Sorry but is it too much to ask to put full names...? :t:
Cheers Jay

 

[pcurpb]

It's basically a race of Mealy or Common Redpoll. Also known as Greenland or Iceland redpoll, but the two are so difficult to separate (if indeed they are separable!) that they're jointly known as North Western Redpoll. The only redpolls reported at Fairburn this year have been Lessers. As you value your sanity, stay away from the redpoll complex!

 

[melodious]

Excuse being a thicko (?) but NW Redpoll....? :eek!: I've tried looking in my Collins but...........
Sorry but is it too much to ask to put full names...? :t:
Cheers Jay

The NW (or North-Western if you prefer) is a generic prefix (though not used as such by e.g. UK400 club), hence my abbreviation here (and in the Birdguides report). It conflates rostrata from Greenland (and adjacent areas of the northern Canada) and islandica (obviously from Iceland). The former are generally not hard to identify (at least in fresh plumage) being essentially like a massive Lesser Redpoll; very big, brown, and streaky. Though not recognised as a valid taxon by all authorities Icelandic birds are another story entirely being very variable; some resemble rostrata, some resemble flammea (Mealy), and some (very closely) resemble exilipes (Coues' Arctic Redpoll), hence the request for specific details.

 

[melodious]

This post gives a flavour of the difference at least between rostrata (Greater/Greenland Common), exilipes (Coues'/Southern Arctic/Hoary), hornemanni (nominate/Greenland Arctic/Hoary) and flammea (Mealy/Southern Common); being taken in the New World cabaret (Lesser) is not included. Hopefully the utility of using scientific names is apparent; there are multiple common names abounding on both sides of the Atlantic.

http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/02/four-redpoll-taxa-in-one-photo/

 

[melodious]

Excellent instructive images here;

http://northshorenature.blogspot.ca/2011/01/hornemanns-hoary-and-greater-common.html

Bear in mind that Lesser/carbaret is typically smaller then flammea

 

[northernloon]

The taxonomy of Redpolls is vexing in the extreme. I'm pretty sure they will be re-lumped in the none too distant future and I will happily take Mealy and Arctic off my list.

I doubt this will prevent discussion of sub-species though

 

[pcurpb]

Still being looked for. Initial report appeared unconvincing (it was pouring with rain at the time and only one car was in the car park) but has now been established as being from a very reliable source. It was the big brown sort....

 

[melodious]

The taxonomy of Redpolls is vexing in the extreme. I'm pretty sure they will be re-lumped in the none too distant future and I will happily take Mealy and Arctic off my list.

I doubt this will prevent discussion of sub-species though

Bring back disruptis, pallescens, perhaps even 'bastard linaria X exilipes'.

http://www.britishbirds.co.uk/search?model=pdf&id=3540

 

[Jayel]

The NW (or North-Western if you prefer) is a generic prefix (though not used as such by e.g. UK400 club), hence my abbreviation here (and in the Birdguides report). It conflates rostrata from Greenland (and adjacent areas of the northern Canada) and islandica (obviously from Iceland). The former are generally not hard to identify (at least in fresh plumage) being essentially like a massive Lesser Redpoll; very big, brown, and streaky. Though not recognised as a valid taxon by all authorities Icelandic birds are another story entirely being very variable; some resemble rostrata, some resemble flammea (Mealy), and some (very closely) resemble exilipes (Coues' Arctic Redpoll), hence the request for specific details.

Phew...... glad I only asked what the initials NW stood for...
But thanks anyway for a well informed reply...from someone, who, at least, seems to know what he's talking about :t:
Cheers Jay

 

[pcurpb]

Warned you, Jay!! Now, crossbills.... Next week, yellow wagtails.

 

[northernloon]

Warned you, Jay!! Now, crossbills.... Next week, yellow wagtails.

I know it's a quiet time of the year but really... There is an interesting Pipit over the border though :smoke: