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Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, Summer 2023 – Starlings and other?


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Hi,

I’m heeding multiple requests to break up my lengthy post that a few of you may have seen before it was locked.  These often less-than-stellar photos are from last month's visit to Edward B. Forsythe NWR (outside Atlantic City, NJ).  The prime reason for the photo quality, and hence a main reason I’m seeking ID help, was the desire to keep car windows shut tight against the ubiquitous presence of particularly ferocious Green-headed flies.  

Due to the hugely unwieldy volume of the original post, I’m now attempting to divide my photos by similar species.  I’ve got at least initial guesses for just about all of them.  But I certainly welcome any corrections, contests, and clarifications, if anyone does feel up for the ID challenge…

 

Thanks!

 

-Steve

 

 

Are these likely European starlings?

 

P1110520.thumb.JPG.3c5a0f7f48ec8299952bdd553b1eb1bb.JPG

 

P1110539.thumb.JPG.86cbb6613ea2fa022a26296cd3fb39a3.JPG

 

 

 

 

And this bird is puzzling to me…

 

P1110550-Capture005.thumb.JPG.a8b62cb1e2c6cf52b3a14e2327b5c4a9.JPG

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P1110555.thumb.JPG.88aa02ba0105c1df7db3b0298e31cd3c.JPG

 

Actually, I already posted this series in its own thread, and have gotten a couple of conflicting suggestions.  One was Brown-headed cowbird (either a female or immature).  The other, which I’m tending to favor, was [juvenile] Blue grosbeak.  The pattern on my bird’s back sure doesn’t look like any Cowbird I’m used to seeing in the yard!  The bill is also proportionally more massive, IMO.

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17 hours ago, Quiscalus quiscula said:

Definitely giving me Blue Grosbeak vibes.

 

3 hours ago, Birds are cool said:

I believe @sbutk posted the same picture in a previous post. I called it a Blue Grosbeak as well, but the majority of people called it an immature BHCO

 

3 hours ago, Quiscalus quiscula said:

Yeah, I saw. I don't think the picture was blown-up this much in the previous thread though.

 

Yes, you're both right in that observation.  FWIW, I maintain that both the pattern on the back and the relative bill size say to me "not a Cowbird". 

Going to go with Blue Grosbeak, unless anyone can change my mind.

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