~Avian Photography~ Post your bird pix for 2012!

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by Sage

Chipping sparrow was as far as I got in my Peterson's too, though the eye line should be black. So many sparrows! Here's another one from the same place.

Attachment 28034

Attachment 28035 Hairy Woodpecker, male

Attachment 28036 Downy Woodpecker, male

See the difference?

I'm not too good with bird identification...I never looked into it too much beyond what I grew up with or encountered as an adult (not too many unusual birds come to my yard, I guess).

As to the difference between hairy and downy woodpeckers...I always thought the downy were smaller...but, based on your picture, it *appears* the downy has more "fluff" at its beak than the hairy. Or did I miss some other unique characteristic?

[Sage]

dap, yes, the Downys are a bit smaller and the beak is shorter than the Hairy's. Each has the "fluff". Downys have a white back and some specks on the edge of their wing that are lacking on the Hairy. The beak is the easiest sign. My Hairy pic didn't show the white back. Females of both lack the red patch at the nape.

[recurve]

Originally Posted by Sage

For me, I just need to be near big water! Great Lakes, Niagara River, Niagara Falls, Gulf of Mexico!

Nice birdie, hava!

I finally got out today without it meaning "to the hospital, ER or dentist" but we didn't have enough time to go looking for waterfowl along the "big waters"!

Did get this beautiful male Northern Cardinal though.

Attachment 28032

And what kind of sparrow is this?

Attachment 28033

btw, I haven't been able to get to my desk and laptop much for weeks but even when I'm not posting, I'm checking in from the ipad, but WG still crashes when I try to post.

I think your sparrow is an American Tree Sparrow dark upper bill light lower bill.

[Gloria]

Try looking at the adult field sparrow.

[Sage]

Peterson's says Field Sparrow has pink bill. Tree sparrow is shown with dark "stickpin" marking on breast and there seems to be that spot in my sparrow pix.

[havalotta]

I flipped them back and forth I swear at least a dozen time until it finally hit me....Its gotta be the lenght of the beak.

Sage that cardinal of yours.............. It's my ALL TIME FAVORITE!

[Sage]

hava, yep! And my daughter-in-law commented on Facebook that she liked that Cardinal pic, so I ordered a canvas-wrap of it which she should have soon. I couldn't even get out to get her a birthday card this week, so this is good!

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by Sage

dap, yes, the Downys are a bit smaller and the beak is shorter than the Hairy's. Each has the "fluff". Downys have a white back and some specks on the edge of their wing that are lacking on the Hairy. The beak is the easiest sign. My Hairy pic didn't show the white back. Females of both lack the red patch at the nape.

Thanks for the refresher, Sage. It has been about 20 years since I studied my fieldguide.

[Sage]

You're welcome, dap. I can't remember much anymore so I keep guides on the desk and in the car. Plus the online sources.

[linrose]

I need a new field guide for birds, I'm still using a very old Golden Birds of North America book. I agree with recurve on your sparrow Sage, looks like a Tree Sparrow to me and it's in your winter range unlike the Chipping Sparrow which you'd only see in summer. I think the 2 tone beak gives it away. It's certainly a cute little thing!