Margaret Parkinson's difficulty in identifying the juvenile starling raises
an interesting problem in bird identification. She stated that her mystery
bird was "not really the shape of Starling". I too have noticed that
significant changes in plumage can affect the apparent shape of the bird. To
my eye, juvenile Starlings have always looked sleeker and less chunky than
their adult counterparts. In closer inspection I feel this is an optical
illusion based on the color of the bird. I have also found this effect with
Pigeon Guillemots. In breeding plumage, they seem more slender, almost
refined looked compared to the dumpy winter-plumaged birds. Again, I think
this is more illusion than real. Margaret and I may be alone on this, but I
would be surprised if it doesn't surface for other birders from time to
time.
I would also like to add my voice to those who encourage questions on
Tweeters from beginning birders. Novice birders, and non-birders, frequently
ask me questions about birds. Often, I haven't a clue to the correct answer.
It helps me realize how easy it is to fall into a rut with birding, and how
valuable a fresh perspective is.


Jack Stephens
Edmonds, WA
jstephens62 at home.com