Monday 9 March 2009

The saturday just gone, I put up some photo's of a Redpoll species (see post), and after much research on the Redpoll species, as well as comments on my blog and privately, I have come to the decision that it was indeed a MEALY REDPOLL (123, 76), and not as I had first thought, a Lesser Redpoll. If you disagree I would be interested why! This is a patch tick for me, and has increased my bird knowledge that little bit more, you never know it all!

Back to this afternoon however, there was no such excitement to be had. There was still a strong west wind blowing, and any small songbirds in the wet woods were either inaudible against the roar of the wind in the tree tops, or were sheltering away from it! The only notable thing for a somewhat poor visit, was a gang of 3 CORMORANT on the lake, one of which had a considerable amount of grey on its head and neck plumage ( much like myself!)

Migrant alley had 30 + FIELDFARE and 5 REDWING, with just 2 SKYLARK, but it was really hard going on my 2 hour walk. I hope it's not going to be like this all week !

7 comments:

Adam said...

Think I agree with you on that Warren, similar to my birds but lacking the pinkish breast, but to my eyes not enough 'brown' for a lesser. Mealy Redpoll and Firecrest on the same day! Excellent!

Adam

Oxonhoath Birds said...

Nice one on the Mealy warren

Warren Baker said...

and a Pochard Adam, quite a day! I think one of the main differences between lesser and Mealy Redpoll is the size, Mealy being bigger.

Anonymous said...

I can mirror your comments on todays birding, Warren. Exactly the same up here in Yorks. Shocking.

Ken. said...

Hi Warren.
Glad you went with the Mealy. It was the 1st thing I went for when I saw it.
Nice to got it on your patch list. I haven't been out for a while due to health probs, that's why there haven't been any reports.

Mike H said...

Warren Lesser or Mealy either is nice to have on your patch and to get photos as well!!

Monika said...

Warren, today was a quiet bird day for us as well as with cold and wind many smaller birds seemed to be hunkered down. Still, I'm very much enjoying your posts and sightings of many birds that sound very exotic to me over here in the US!