2 Pipits (Italy, Mediterranean Alps, Alpi Marittime, August 4, 2022) (1 Viewer)

[Frank-birding]

While hiking in the Alpi Marittime national park in Italy I came across two somewhat unusual Pipits (time: late afternoon/evening). It was on a fairly high altitude (1840m / 5600 ft.) in a completely treeless mountain valley with low grass, barren rock and boulders and a small stream running through the valley. Obviously I saw many Water Pipits (and Black Redstarts, and Northern Wheatears). But both these Pipits do not appear to be Water Pipits.
Perhaps the first one (images 1-4) is a (very light, very well marked) Tree Pipit? The second one (images 5-9) has a red head, but since its chin/throat is not red or at least much less red, I doubt it's a Red-Throated Pipit (and that wouldn't be likely in Italy in August anyway).

Bye, Frank

 

[lou salomon]

both birds look like Tree Pipits to me. Head is not really red in the second one, just in pic 4 of it there's this illusion.

 

[Frank-birding]

Thank you Lou. Good to know that these were Tree Pipits!
Regards, Frank