Isle of Wight Bird ID help (1 Viewer)

[Dave Derrick]

Last piece of help please on birds photographed on the Isle of Wight in past two weeks. Picture attached. Very many thanks for assistance given so far; much appreciated. Dave.

 

[birdmeister]

I'd say (Northern) Wheatear.

 

[RafaelMatias]

I'd say (Northern) Wheatear.

Agreed.

 

[Dave Derrick]

Very many thanks to you both; much appreciated. Dave.

 

[CARERY]

Are there more pictures of this bird? I can't help it but to also consider an Isabelline Wheatear... not saying it is one!

 

[Dave Derrick]

Roland, just two more of this bird. Have attached them. Thanks, Dave.

 

[CARERY]

Hmm, still looks really pale overall and the creamy fringes to the coverts rather broad plus the alula contrastingly dark. Only overexposure in harsh light? Because on the other hand e.g. the pp is maybe too long for an Issy? I find it's an interesting bird...
Other opinions would be welcome!

 

[RafaelMatias]

I think you're right Roland, this bird is well worth a 2nd and a 3rd look. That black alula!! The photo is slightly overexposed but that would affect the alula as well, not increasing the constrast. It's starting to look very good to me. A pitty that there are no more photos, but these might just do it if well "squeezed" for info.

 

[Brian J Small]

In haste, Roland asked me to look at this, but given the relatively poor pictures I suspect it is just a Northern. However...

My first impression was the bill looks quite slim and the legs spindly. I am not seriously thinking it is anything else, but compare with this http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/gallery_show.asp?galleryid=8069&page=281&sort=6&level=4

I don't see its as Isabelline and Rafael obviously knows WBW, so surely Northern.

Brian S

 

[CARERY]

I agree structually it doesn't seem right for Isabelline (too small head) but even if taking overexposure into account, the plumage looks really good IMO. However, probably the photos are not good enough to really nail it. Pitty...

 

[RafaelMatias]

In any case, the following reference is relevant in this context (sorry, I don't have a pdf, only the magazine):
From the Rarities Committee's files: Identification of autumn Isabelline Wheathears. British Birds 93, vol. 10: 488-492.

 

[Dave Derrick]

I attach all the rest of the photos taken. Probably all a bit over-exposed .... but these are they. Thanks, Dave.

 

[CARERY]

Thanks for all the pics, Dave. I'm afraid they don't help much. Just now I found time to have a look at my desktop computer. Hope you don't mind, I altered one of the pics. Indeed, it looks like a Northern to me now, though a pale one. The wings are just too long (almost reaching the tail tip)... sorry for the fuss.

 

[lou salomon]

the few dark centered median coverts are also pro northern.

 

[Dave Derrick]

To all contributors to this post, very many thanks for your opinions and reasoning behind those opinions. No need to apologise for the fuss, your comments have been very much appreciated. Thank you to one and all. All the best, Dave.