Kinglet? (1 Viewer)

[Mbarath]

This is a ruby-crowned kinglet, isn't it? I'm being thrown off by the orange/yellow coloring which is present on all the photos I have. It was sunset and the sky was very orange. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio, US.

 

[Butty]

No, it's an American redstart. I'm afraid it doesn't really show any features that are like those of ruby-crowned kinglet.

 

[Mbarath]

No, it's an American redstart. I'm afraid it doesn't really show any features that are like those of ruby-crowned kinglet.

I'll be darned. Thanks. I've been trying to return to birding after a 30 year hiatus, and it's been a very humbling experience. Now, however, I carry a big lens which has helped my identifications, after the fact.

 

[Butty]

My take on that - if the prime objective is to learn bird ID - is that it's way more productive to spend photography time in actually watching the birds instead! And then as much or more time in studying a field guide - a printed one. But that's not the modern way...

 

[Sangahyando]

In the second picture, you can see the yellow tail markings, which should exclude any kinglet.

My take on that - if the prime objective is to learn bird ID - is that it's way more productive to spend photography time in actually watching the birds instead! And then as much or more time in studying a field guide - a printed one. But that's not the modern way...

On the other hand, might as well get good documentation while you're at it. After all, many people feel like getting record shots of the species they see. Of course, it can be difficult to judge in the moment whether it's better to use the camera or to get a prolonged view instead.

 

[Microtus]

Welcome to the Forum, Mbarath. You photographed an American Redstart.

 

[Mbarath]

My take on that - if the prime objective is to learn bird ID - is that it's way more productive to spend photography time in actually watching the birds instead! And then as much or more time in studying a field guide - a printed one. But that's not the modern way...

I agree with you completely. I was one of the few people at Ottawa the other day who who was carrying around a printed copy of Peterson's. But it's really difficult to leave my camera behind as well. But I know you are right. Thanks again.

 

[Butty]

Next tip... Get Sibley instead. Oh yes. One of the best field guides in the world. Peterson is archaically clunkily crude in comparison.

 

[Mbarath]

Next tip... Get Sibley instead. Oh yes. One of the best field guides in the world. Peterson is archaically clunkily crude in comparison.

You made me smile. My Peterson's is 4th ed. published in 1980. I have it all marked up. But I will order Sibley. But I did buy a new pair of binoculars this year, Nikon Monarch 7, and am quite happy with them.

 

[Robin Harrison]

Mbarath............I think you are on the right lines ...........I also photograph birds and spend minutes, many minutes, large parts of an hour and often longer watching birds as I wait for the opportunity to capture an image.
I think my ID skill set has improved a lot because I have a camera with me...............I wait and I watch.

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi again

Yes, we are looking at an American Redstart and nicely captured.