Jump to content
Whatbird Community

Swamp birds.


Recommended Posts

All from 8/27 on the south side of Chicago.

1) Solitary Sandpiper?

44397891571_7cf1668b15_z.jpgDSC01976r solitary sandpiper by Mark Ross, on Flickr

2) Northern Shoveler?  I am judging this only on bill size.

44348572942_93c63d4f4d.jpgDSC02099r northern shoveler by Mark Ross, on Flickr

3 )  Mallard to the left.  Wood duck below.  What is on the right?

29460971147_524dcf0d11.jpgDSC01964r ducks by Mark Ross, on Flickr

4)  This sparrow was running between clumps of vegetation in the swamp. 

44348563292_01084222a1_z.jpgDSC02054r sparrow by Mark Ross, on Flickr

Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

1. Probably Solitary Sandpiper, but that tail barring really speaks to Spotted. Both have spots on back. Facial pattern makes it a prob Solitary.

2. Northern Shoveler. Nothing else with that profile.

3. Looks like Mallards in back. Wood Duck in front.

4. Odd sparrow. That is a crazy long tail. Has to be a trick of the eye, or weird angle or something. Any additional pic would help.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with Blue-winged Teal on 2. Proportions are too stocky for Shoveler and the feathers by the base of the bill are pale. I think the bill is not as long as it appears in the picture and distortion is blending the bill with ripples on the water's surface.

The Sparrow is a juvenile, hence the odd plumage. Molted feathers around the rump of vent could contribute to the long-tailed appearance.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Yup, Blue-winged Teal.  Note the white tail on the right Mallard in the third pic.  Mallard and Northern Shoveler have the only wholly or nearly wholly white tails among dabblers; Blue-winged's (just barely notable in that pic) is fairly extensively white, particularly at certain times of year and more so in males than females.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/12/2018 at 1:59 PM, Frugalbirders said:

1. Probably Solitary Sandpiper, but that tail barring really speaks to Spotted. Both have spots on back. Facial pattern makes it a prob Solitary.

2. Northern Shoveler. Nothing else with that profile.

3. Looks like Mallards in back. Wood Duck in front.

4. Odd sparrow. That is a crazy long tail. Has to be a trick of the eye, or weird angle or something. Any additional pic would help.

Agreed

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...