Id please - West Sussex (1 Viewer)

[Wind1]

This was taken in January on farm land. I have tried to id it and the closest I can get is a meadow pipit.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Yes, you are right with Meadow Pipit

 

[Butty]

Bang on. Huge hind claw - tho in January you don't even need to see that, as tree pipits are elsewhere.

 

[Wind1]

Thank you. I find google images vary so much I often doubt my identifications! I'm not sure I've seen a meadow pipit before so very happy.

 

[Redmist]

In addition to other clear features like the claw meadows often have this dark smudgy patch in the middle of the breast (as your bird shows) which isn’t shown in field guides that I’ve seen. And I’m sure you’ve probably seen one before, just without realising it!

 

[Butty]

You would be much much (much) better off with a field guide. Preferably a printed one.

 

[Wind1]

You would be much much (much) better off with a field guide. Preferably a printed one.

Any recommendations on a good one?

 

[Redmist]

Or even better in my experience, a printed one plus the Collins app for audio of calls and songs. As a starting point I use the Collins in both paper and app

 

[Wind1]

Collins guide ordered. I'll have a look at the app as well. Thank you

 

[Butty]

This is the point at which your birding life changes 😉 👍🏻

 

[Redmist]

And the point at which you begin to get asked “How do you need ANOTHER bird book?!” every time a new guide arrives in the post. Or maybe that’s just me…

 

[dave598]

And the point at which you begin to get asked “How do you need ANOTHER bird book?!” every time a new guide arrives in the post. Or maybe that’s just me…

My wife says that everytime I order one like I did Saturday

 

[Jonno52]

Collins actually produce than one "bird guide". To be clear, the best and most authoritative, and the one to get, is this one, by Svensson, Mullarney and Zetterstrom. If it's going to get much use, hardback would be better, albeit more expensive. There is a vast amount of information there, which may seem daunting, but don't be put off! I also have it on iPad, including the videos you pay extra for, but print is preferable in the first instance.