Hi all,

Forgot to add, I usually go by the overall structure of the bird but it is tough to tell here when the redpolls are contorted in this photo especially when they are feeding.

If the bird was in its 'relax' posture, it would be more plump and over larger in size. Of course, distance, low light, and heavy fog can make it tough to discern.

The joys and challenges of birding. Got to it!

All the best,

Khanh


--- On Thu, 1/15/09, Khanh Tran <fsprucegrouse at yahoo.com> wrote:

> From: Khanh Tran <fsprucegrouse at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: ODD looking REDPOLL from recent photos from Okanogan trip
> To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
> Cc: johntubbs at comcast.net
> Date: Thursday, January 15, 2009, 12:59 PM
> Hi Evan, John, Marv and Mason,
>
> Thanks for sharing the wonderful report and photos! Sounds
> like you had a great time!
>
> I must say, the redpoll on the upper top center looks odd.
> Don't know if the digiscoping and lighting had an effect
> on it. Very faint streaks, and unstreaked undertail coverts,
> frosty appearance.
>
> Can't tell from the photo for the stubby beak or clear
> upper tail coverts indicative for HOARY REDPOLL.
>
> Sometimes, it is tough to focus on one bird when there is a
> large jittery flock. The beauty of taking photos you get
> multiple chances to study a bird and sometimes catching
> something you miss later while watching that subject in the
> field.
>
> Just a thought... I am sure with all those SHARP eyes and
> ears from the group, you were ON it!
>
> Makes you reconsider about deleting those undesirable,
> grainy photos:)
>
> http://www.tubbsphoto.com/-/tubbsphoto/gallery.asp?cat=108053
>
> Good birding,
>
> Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon)