JackieL Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Hi everyone, Imlooking for a little help ID'ing a Raptor I spotted at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley, NY back in September. I was thinking it may be a Kestrel but I'm really not sure. All help is greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IvoryBillHope Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Tough lighting. Could be a Merlin. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bird Nuts Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Definitely a Merlin. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackieL Posted April 2, 2019 Author Share Posted April 2, 2019 Thank you both for the help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelodger14 Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 i am seeing the facial stripe in the last photo. My opinion is it is a an American Kestral Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IvoryBillHope Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 36 minutes ago, thelodger14 said: i am seeing the facial stripe in the last photo. My opinion is it is a an American Kestral Merlins have facial stripes too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mills0000 Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 Merlin for me as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdbrain22 Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 Definite Merlin here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cvanbosk Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 I have no idea, but I’d love one of our experts to help us out with what important characteristics they’re using to ID this bird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bird Nuts Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 Brighten the images if you're not sure... ; ) It is not an American Kestrel because: It has a solid gray back It has thick brown streaking on its belly/flanks It doesn't have an obvious black auricular patch or white cheek It has a darker face overall which contrasts with the light orbital ring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cvanbosk Posted April 3, 2019 Share Posted April 3, 2019 55 minutes ago, The Bird Nuts said: Brighten the images if you're not sure... ; ) It is not an American Kestrel because: It has a solid gray back It has thick brown streaking on its belly/flanks It doesn't have an obvious black auricular patch or white cheek It has a darker face overall which contrasts with the light orbital ring Thank you. That helps a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.