Inastrangeland

Thanks again for this. Don't worry, I've learned not to get my hopes up in birding. In looking at the original pic, there does seem to be a bit of a fork, so I do think this is Bank. Nonetheless, this discussion has taught me to look for the flat tail and duller throat if I'm looking for a NRWS. Thanks a bunch everyone. Good discussion! Mike

This is a great explanation Mr. Spencer, thank you! That would be one hell of a flock to have all 5 local species in there..... There were only about 12 birds in there total! Northern Roughed Winged would be a lifer for me believe it or not, so I'd love to get some seconds or more details on differentiating this from a Bank Swallow.

.....Sorry, taken in Ottawa, Ontario today.

There was a mixed group of swallows flying around in Ottawa, Ontario this morning. I was able to ID Tree, Barn, Bank, and Cliff. This one confused me. I had never seen white marks on the wings like this. Any ideas of what this bird might be, and/or why those white marks are there, would be appreciated. Thanks again, Mike

Hey there everyone, I have eliminated a Willow Flycatcher with the call I heard from this guy, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing another possibility. Thanks in advance, Mike

Still not confident with Flycatchers. These are different birds, but I think they're both Least. Taken in Ottawa, Ontario today. Thanks in advance.

These are difficult pics, I agree, but they look a bit chunky like a dowitchers to me. The line above the eye makes me think that too. If it is a dowitcher, it could be either....likely long-billed, but you're just in range for short-billed too. Sorry I can't be more help.

Cool! Thanks you two. Can I ask what you see in these pictures that differentiates it from a Chestnut-sided?

Hi everyone, Taken in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada today. I figure this is either a bay-breasted or chestnut-sided warbler. Pictures are of the same bird. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Mike

Definitely Short-Billed. When they show breeding plumage, the long-billed have buffy borders limited to the tips of the feathers.....short-billed (like yours) have the buffy edging extend all the way up the sides of the feathers too.

The barring I can get behind for sure! For me, the head shape IS more deep than tall with no back peak. Interesting how the same image can be interpreted differently. Good point with the barring though.

This is a good debate.... According to the 'cobirds.org' article, the large jowls and higher eye position suggests Greater. It also suggests not solely using the nail for the ID..... However, many male Greater Scaup have the black restricted to the nail, with the black forming a rectangle (upper left picture) as in Lesser Scaup I'm not convinced yet....I still say Greater.

Yep, and with ring-necks behind it for a comparison.

This looks like a greater to me. Most will look at the bill and say it's bigger with a larger nail, characteristic of a greater. They will also comment on the lack of a peak on the head. What does is for me is the appearance of cheeks, which I don't notice as much in Lessers.

Here are my guesses: 1. I like Pine Warbler on this one too. 2. How about a Tennessee Warbler? The white on the under tail coverts has me leaning that way. 3. Yep, Swamp sparrow. They usually look a bit ragged. Love the title of the thread. We've all been there.