Winter

Beautiful photos (and Sandhill’s)!

You’re probably right... But I’ve a question — and please don’t think I’m trying to be rude or anything 😊 — when comparing some pictures in Nevada of American Pipits seen in December, they look so similar to the OPs picture! What am I missing? Is it the eyes? For example, here’s one of a bunch i copy/paste’d from this link https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/42670641 Also from the same site, there’s some Pipits with more rufous/reddish near the chest/shoulders as seen in the OP photo with the same yellow black-tipped bill, wing tips, eye swoosh, etc. I really hope you don’t think I’m being rude..! 😬 Just trying to figure this out as I’ve never seen a Robin this pale or gray before even in breeding plumage or immature/juvenile, but perhaps in the arid regions of the US this isn’t uncommon... OK, now I’m going to go run and hide out of embarrassment ☺️ 🥴😆

Thanks! Wish I could go back and delete my post as I feel rather silly now. 😆 (I had inadvertently turned ”Night Shift” on 🙄)

To my eyes, this looks to be an American Pipit (immature or non-breeding) and not a Robin nor Hermit Thrush... Sorry to be the naysayer here!

Agree with Red-Tailed Hawk and it appears to be of the Dark Morph (Harlan’s) race which tend to be most common in the Northwestern regions of US and Canada. 😃

Thanks guys. I’m still not sure it’s a red-tailed hawk but you’re most likely right. I’ve seen Merlins, Sharpies and Kestrels perched on wires like this before but never a RTH. My father thinks it’s either a very fat/puffed up female American Kestrel or a juvenile Sharpie...but still confused lol!

Welcome! The top bird is indeed a White-breasted Nuthatch and the bottom is a House Sparrow. 🙂

Is this an American Kestrel? Posting on behalf of someone else, seen in Haymarket, VA yesterday. Tail looks too short for a Coopers/Sharpy and the general markings are throwing me off. Seems too small for a Red-Shouldered to my eyes .... The Merlin app gave me two results which I’m really questioning its accuracy. . 1) N Goshawk. - while they’re not unheard of in the area (coming down from the Shenandoah mountains/Blue Ridge some years, etc), they are fairly uncommon. 2) Short-eared Owl. - seriously? I’m almost certain that this is not an owl LOL! Thanks!

Thank you so much! I know the pictures were appalling, as was the lighting at the time (stormy and at dusk), and I don’t like to use flash when taking pictures of wild animals. So props to you for being able to make all of that out! 🙂

Seen September 5, 2019. Is this a Ruddy Turnstone or something else? Delaware Seashore in Sussex County, Delaware.

Bump!

Really impressive photos. If you don’t mind my asking, what did you use to shoot with? TIA.

Where was this?

Nice shot!

Agreed with Brown Thrasher. Cool bird!