Outdoor Ontario
Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: Shortsighted on October 20, 2019, 06:29:28 PM
-
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BsZg4L4/0/cbd36028/Th/i-BsZg4L4-Th.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-BsZg4L4/A)
-
Red-tailed Hawk?
-
This bird would be no match for a RTH.
It is a bird that migrates through the GTA
and can be seen on both spring and fall,
unlike some that are far more prevalent
during the fall. Personally, I have seen
them more often in the fall, late-October
(now) at the earliest but more commonly
coming through on early to mid November.
Here is an easy one while you are contemplating
the beauty of russet feather detail.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xRkSKkw/0/57a5ef29/Ti/i-xRkSKkw-Ti.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-xRkSKkw/A)
-
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BsZg4L4/0/cbd36028/Th/i-BsZg4L4-Th.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-BsZg4L4/A)
Fox Sparrow?
-
This bird would be no match for a RTH.
It is a bird that migrates through the GTA
and can be seen on both spring and fall,
unlike some that are far more prevalent
during the fall. Personally, I have seen
them more often in the fall, late-October
(now) at the earliest but more commonly
coming through on early to mid November.
Here is an easy one while you are contemplating
the beauty of russet feather detail.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xRkSKkw/0/57a5ef29/Ti/i-xRkSKkw-Ti.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-xRkSKkw/A)
Red tailed hawk or King Oyster Mushroom
-
I am not surprised that the bird depicted is so quickly identified and I am most
delighted that it was done by you, whom we have not heard much from of late.
The russet feathers do indeed belong to a Fox sparrow, a beautiful red morph
that played well with all the other smaller sparrows.
As for the King Oyster mushroom .... well, I've never seen one of those
with wings. This one has a pair of eyes and does not frequent these parts
very often.
?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gD3jVWS/0/cde633bd/Th/i-gD3jVWS-Th.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-gD3jVWS/A)
-
I am not surprised that the bird depicted is so quickly identified and I am most
delighted that it was done by you, whom we have not heard much from of late.
The russet feathers do indeed belong to a Fox sparrow, a beautiful red morph
that played well with all the other smaller sparrows.
As for the King Oyster mushroom .... well, I've never seen one of those
with wings. This one has a pair of eyes and does not frequent these parts
very often.
?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gD3jVWS/0/cde633bd/Th/i-gD3jVWS-Th.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-gD3jVWS/A)
I haven't got many interesting sightings since the owls left me, and didn't find many fall warblers either.
Is that Rough- legged Hawk? :P
-
Not a R-L Hawk.
Based on the lack of activity on this forum I must conclude that you are not
the only one that has failed to see anything worth reporting, or have been
unsuccessful at photographing anything at all. Not a good sign and certainly
not encouraging.
By the way, in case I didn't make it clear, image #2 is not the same species as image#3.
-
Ally, you say you did not see any migratory warblers during August, September and
this month but eBird reports from the usual sites have posted sightings of warblers,
albeit a dearth in number, and no mention of whether they were all juvenile birds.
Since I am housebound I cannot offer a synopsis of the fall migration from my own
experience of this season. There has certainly been little activity along the edge of
the wooded area across the street and within the backyard, despite the deposition
of ample birdy num-nums, (I miss Peter Sellers). The quiet season is worrisome and
a drag for someone like yourself that has only recently purchased a long lens that now
sits idle. I recall mentioning that you have all those fall migratory warblers to look for-
ward to, a great time to practice your capture technique and identification skills. What
a let-down. May I therefore offer you an ID challenge, although not much for a challenge
for someone that has learned so much so fast.
Unknown #1
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8JHxvh7/0/5bd15107/S/i-8JHxvh7-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-8JHxvh7/A)
-
Image #3 showing talons - a Merlin?
-
Ally, you say you did not see any migratory warblers during August, September and
this month but eBird reports from the usual sites have posted sightings of warblers,
albeit a dearth in number, and no mention of whether they were all juvenile birds.
Since I am housebound I cannot offer a synopsis of the fall migration from my own
experience of this season. There has certainly been little activity along the edge of
the wooded area across the street and within the backyard, despite the deposition
of ample birdy num-nums, (I miss Peter Sellers). The quiet season is worrisome and
a drag for someone like yourself that has only recently purchased a long lens that now
sits idle. I recall mentioning that you have all those fall migratory warblers to look for-
ward to, a great time to practice your capture technique and identification skills. What
a let-down. May I therefore offer you an ID challenge, although not much for a challenge
for someone that has learned so much so fast.
Unknown #1
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8JHxvh7/0/5bd15107/S/i-8JHxvh7-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-8JHxvh7/A)
Is that a chestnut sided?
-
Not a Merlin, but you've got the Chestnut-sided warbler apparently without difficulty.
Unknown #2
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZbwhDLT/0/cd348a75/S/i-ZbwhDLT-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-ZbwhDLT/A)
-
Not a Merlin, but you've got the Chestnut-sided warbler apparently without difficulty.
Unknown #2
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZbwhDLT/0/cd348a75/S/i-ZbwhDLT-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-ZbwhDLT/A)
Magnolia Warbler?
-
I am not surprised that the bird depicted is so quickly identified and I am most
delighted that it was done by you, whom we have not heard much from of late.
The russet feathers do indeed belong to a Fox sparrow, a beautiful red morph
that played well with all the other smaller sparrows.
As for the King Oyster mushroom .... well, I've never seen one of those
with wings. This one has a pair of eyes and does not frequent these parts
very often.
?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gD3jVWS/0/cde633bd/Th/i-gD3jVWS-Th.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-gD3jVWS/A)
Golden Eagle Talon?
-
She stick-handles right around the Nashville player and she shoot ... she scores!
Magnolia (late-summer juvenile) it is.
Well, you're right, it is a talon but you will notice that the feathers do not cover
the yellowish ankle and therefore it is the talon of a Bald Eagle.
So, what about the flying oyster mushroom?
Unknown #3
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tx4fKgL/0/7a09c555/S/i-Tx4fKgL-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-Tx4fKgL/A)
-
She stick-handles right around the Nashville player and she shoot ... she scores!
Magnolia (late-summer juvenile) it is.
Well, you're right, it is a talon but you will notice that the feathers do not cover
the yellowish ankle and therefore it is the talon of a Bald Eagle.
So, what about the flying oyster mushroom?
Unknown #3
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tx4fKgL/0/7a09c555/S/i-Tx4fKgL-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-Tx4fKgL/A)
Is that a lady Redstart?
-
There lurks a Redstart twixt leaf and twig, but I doubt she's a lady.
A male in drag as juvenile's are wont to dress. The head is a strong
gray colour and a female might be a little browner, a brownish gray
if you will. I'm no expert on the female persuasion so I may be way
off base but I'm certain a real expert will weight in on the controversy.
Unknown #4
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5d3Rpzq/0/464bb40a/S/i-5d3Rpzq-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-5d3Rpzq/A)
-
There lurks a Redstart twixt leaf and twig, but I doubt she's a lady.
A male in drag as juvenile's are wont to dress. The head is a strong
gray colour and a female might be a little browner, a brownish gray
if you will. I'm no expert on the female persuasion so I may be way
off base but I'm certain a real expert will weight in on the controversy.
Unknown #4
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5d3Rpzq/0/464bb40a/S/i-5d3Rpzq-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-5d3Rpzq/A)
Orange-crowned Warbler
-
That's my guess too.
Unknown #5:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HsJcNJV/0/1c28b3e7/S/i-HsJcNJV-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-HsJcNJV/A)
-
That's my guess too.
Unknown #5:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HsJcNJV/0/1c28b3e7/S/i-HsJcNJV-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-HsJcNJV/A)
Savannah Sparrow?
-
Most certainly a true sparrow but probably not a Savannah sparrow.
I photographed this sparrow in late-August and it was near water.
I suppose I should have mentioned those facts in advance but I
wanted to see if you could keep pulling a rabbit out of the proverbial hat.
I don't think I could stump you anyway so I might as well give up.
-
Most certainly a true sparrow but probably not a Savannah sparrow.
I photographed this sparrow in late-August and it was near water.
I suppose I should have mentioned those facts in advance but I
wanted to see if you could keep pulling a rabbit out of the proverbial hat.
I don't think I could stump you anyway so I might as well give up.
Okay, I haven't even met a swamp sparrow in person :P
-
Yes, I believe it to be a juvenile Swamp sparrow ... for what my guess is worth.
It is an unremarkable sparrow as far as livery is concerned, nor does it have a
noteworthy song/call. Its notoriety mostly stems from its secretive nature and
is therefore often unseen or overlooked when it flashes into view for a second.
That in itself makes it a bird to photograph as far as I'm concerned. This juv
was spotted on the southern edge of Cranberry Marsh in Whitby. I noted a group
of sparrows moving back and forth so I sat on my mat, leaned against my backpack
right next to a log that they seemed to alight on. Sure enough, they did so again
and I did my thing. The light was not great and my old T4i does not perform well
at high ISO but I did get a few shots that I'm satisfied with. I've posted to the
shot that the ID snippet came from and my favourite shot of that session.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-67grJ8n/0/2183f887/L/i-67grJ8n-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-67grJ8n/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3RzrFLQ/0/d4cc9459/L/i-3RzrFLQ-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-3RzrFLQ/A)
Unknown #6
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SNNbJwt/0/341f1d8f/S/i-SNNbJwt-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-SNNbJwt/A)
-
Yes, I believe it to be a juvenile Swamp sparrow ... for what my guess is worth.
It is an unremarkable sparrow as far as livery is concerned, nor does it have a
noteworthy song/call. Its notoriety mostly stems from its secretive nature and
is therefore often unseen or overlooked when it flashes into view for a second.
That in itself makes it a bird to photograph as far as I'm concerned. This juv
was spotted on the southern edge of Cranberry Marsh in Whitby. I noted a group
of sparrows moving back and forth so I sat on my mat, leaned against my backpack
right next to a log that they seemed to alight on. Sure enough, they did so again
and I did my thing. The light was not great and my old T4i does not perform well
at high ISO but I did get a few shots that I'm satisfied with. I've posted to the
shot that the ID snippet came from and my favourite shot of that session.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-67grJ8n/0/2183f887/L/i-67grJ8n-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-67grJ8n/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3RzrFLQ/0/d4cc9459/L/i-3RzrFLQ-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-3RzrFLQ/A)
Unknown #6
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SNNbJwt/0/341f1d8f/S/i-SNNbJwt-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-SNNbJwt/A)
oh, oh, an EasternTowhee? I did manage to find one this year :D
-
You are quite right, an Eastern Towhee it is (female). Obviously the colour
scheme has been burned into your memory. Did you photograph it? Was it
a female as well?
There have been enormous groups of Red-breasted Merganser reported at
Cranberry Marsh and many also reported at Sam Smith. With your long lens
you might have a chance to photograph one this year.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XNbh6qG/0/90818a06/L/i-XNbh6qG-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-XNbh6qG/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RrSzvBD/0/0c886118/L/i-RrSzvBD-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-RrSzvBD/A)
Unknown #7:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cXJFJCs/0/040688e9/S/i-cXJFJCs-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-cXJFJCs/A)
-
You are quite right, an Eastern Towhee it is (female). Obviously the colour
scheme has been burned into your memory. Did you photograph it? Was it
a female as well?
There have been enormous groups of Red-breasted Merganser reported at
Cranberry Marsh and many also reported at Sam Smith. With your long lens
you might have a chance to photograph one this year.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XNbh6qG/0/90818a06/L/i-XNbh6qG-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-XNbh6qG/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RrSzvBD/0/0c886118/L/i-RrSzvBD-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-RrSzvBD/A)
Unknown #7:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cXJFJCs/0/040688e9/S/i-cXJFJCs-S.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-cXJFJCs/A)
Eastern wood pewee.
I actually changed my answer from female towhee to a general one. didn't want to repeat the mistake or the redstart again :lol: my towhee should be male, with all the singing
-
I figured it was a Least FC because it was more olive green than gray and the
wings are shorter but I can't find the image any more in order to check it.
You've easily guessed all my photo snippets except the second one, which
I thought would be easy and you might eventually figure it out when I tell
you that the bird's head is tilted 90 degrees.
-
This bird would be no match for a RTH.
It is a bird that migrates through the GTA
and can be seen on both spring and fall,
unlike some that are far more prevalent
during the fall. Personally, I have seen
them more often in the fall, late-October
(now) at the earliest but more commonly
coming through on early to mid November.
Here is an easy one while you are contemplating
the beauty of russet feather detail.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xRkSKkw/0/57a5ef29/Ti/i-xRkSKkw-Ti.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-xRkSKkw/A)
Black Crowned night heron
-
You are looking at a bird in the heron family of birds.
A BCNH has a distinctive black crown when it attains adulthood
and the juvenile is heavily streaked in earth tones, so the
heron-like bird depicted does not satisfy either description.
When I say its head is tilted 90 degrees it means you are looking
at the bird's crown. The bird twisted its head like that to catch a
dragonfly. Nuff said.
So, if you are not interested in photographing RB Merganser what
species are you hoping to capture this fall?
-
A mute swan!
I would like to get hawks or eagles. :lol:
-
Unlike a Mute swan, this bird spends most of its time on land, not necessarily
near water, although this bird was near water and perched near water before
continuing its hunt for dragonflies about 30 meters from the water's edge.
-
Unlike a Mute swan, this bird spends most of its time on land, not necessarily
near water, although this bird was near water and perched near water before
continuing its hunt for dragonflies about 30 meters from the water's edge.
I'm quite lost. For a long time, I thought I was looking at the upper part of a bird's leg (hence the mushroom), but I can't think of any bird in the heron family with a yellow beak and whitish head who doesn't live near water...
-
As you know, Egrets are also herons and the only one I've ever seen that carries a rosy-buff blush on its crown, especially at breeding time, is the Cattle Egret
that feeds on insects roused into movement by grazing cattle and wild grass-feeders on the Savannah.
So, you are mostly after raptors and accipiters, eh. You like to start at the top of the food chain. Impressive!
Good luck with that. Your aspirations are on a different plain than mine. I thought I would start, like a grunt, with
more common birds that are easier to find. After five years I have still not made much discovery in the realm of
the top of the food chain. You might need to take a cue from Dinu and spend a lot of time in the car chasing eagles
and camping out at Osprey marshes. Not a bad life if you ask me.
CATTLE EGRET
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3PcHnLd/0/850150a2/L/i-3PcHnLd-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-3PcHnLd/A)
-
Fun exercise - looks like Ally got most of them.
-
Fun exercise - looks like Ally got :D most of them.
So much to learn. Hope more birders will participate and make this site a fun learning place again :D :D
-
As you know, Egrets are also herons and the only one I've ever seen that carries a rosy-buff blush on its crown, especially at breeding time, is the Cattle Egret
that feeds on insects roused into movement by grazing cattle and wild grass-feeders on the Savannah.
So, you are mostly after raptors and accipiters, eh. You like to start at the top of the food chain. Impressive!
Good luck with that. Your aspirations are on a different plain than mine. I thought I would start, like a grunt, with
more common birds that are easier to find. After five years I have still not made much discovery in the realm of
the top of the food chain. You might need to take a cue from Dinu and spend a lot of time in the car chasing eagles
and camping out at Osprey marshes. Not a bad life if you ask me.
CATTLE EGRET
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3PcHnLd/0/850150a2/L/i-3PcHnLd-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-3PcHnLd/A)
Thank you so much for the fun learning experience. Cattle Egret will be my next target to find hopefully next season. And just got my first female junco at the feeder, I am in tears, winter is here, no escape...
-
Bite your tongue Ally, ... as long as you have a camera and imagination
you have all you need to survive winter and pretty much everything else.
By the way, got a female DE Junco a couple of days ago and a male today.
Winter's imminent a arrival is why I suggested RB Merganser as a subject
because they are very handsome birds and you can sometimes get close to them
if you play your cards right and use strategy. In fact, all winter diving fowl
are worth pursuing. You just need to bring the right winter gear and plant
yourself in the right place and romance a bottleneck in as much comfort as
possible.
-
I'm not sure about Orange-crowned Warbler for #4. The head is usually more gray and showing a bit of an eyebrow. I think more an immature Yellow Warbler. When was the picture taken?
/Thomas
-
I think it was very early September or the very end of August.
Juvenile Yellow warblers that I've seen had a light-coloured bill and legs, almost pink.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8NZhM3s/0/e9c8d39f/L/i-8NZhM3s-L.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-8NZhM3s/A)
-
That would be very early for Orange-crowned Warbler, they usually start to show up late September and October.
I think the pink colour darkens when the juvenile Yellow Warbler turns into immature fall plumage. My field guide and the online pictures I find shows a grey bill.
/Thomas
-
I stand corrected, again ... and again, .... and again.
So, pink for young juvenile shading to steely gray by late-juve to non-breeding adult.
Got it.
Thanks.
-
I stand corrected, again ... and again, .... and again.
So, pink for young juvenile shading to steely gray by late-juve to non-breeding adult.
Got it.
Thanks.
Sorry for misleading you :lol: