What a Hoot! Plus ID's please...

Cazzie · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 02:02 PM

Just been up to our local reservoir and was gobsmacked to find this chappie.... (please bear in mind we were over 100ft away so had to full zoom and crop these

)

Think he saw me lol!

Now I also came across this bird and tbh I'm really not sure what it is, so any ideas?

and this juvenile something? Stonechat maybe?

Sorry about the image quality - they're just too diddy and far away most of the time

Thankies!

Dan Salter · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 02:16 PM

Obviously you know the Owl is a Little Owl

I think your second bird is indeed a Female Stonechat so your Juv quite possibly is a juvenile stonechat.

Well done

Ollie · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 02:16 PM

Hi Cazzie.
The first two I would have said Little Owl, the second two Wheatear. I can't be 100% sure though. The last two I think maybe female Stonechat but again I'm not positive so would wait for further replies.
Roger

Dan Salter · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 02:20 PM

Im not feeling wheatear...i still think bird two is the mother of bird 3 ...so female and juv stonechat.,

Did you see them close to each other cassie?

Nicola Main · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 02:22 PM

My first thought on the second bird was a female Whinchat rather than a Stonechat. The last bird is definitely a juvenile chat of some kind but not sure on which. If you have a good bird book Cazzie I suggest you study the chats to see which you think they are. Sorry couldn't be more helpful, Nicola.

Cazzie · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Salter

Im not feeling wheatear...i still think bird two is the mother of bird 3 ...so female and juv stonechat.,

Did you see them close to each other cassie?

Yep, along the same stretch of wall with bracken behind, thistle field and reservoir in front. I'm erring towards stonechats too and will double check again in my RSPB book.

I had problems as my 10yr old son came with me (complete with frisbee!) so he kept scaring everything off

Still, he was impressed to see the Little Owl!

Thanks everyone!

paulchandler6 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 02:39 PM

Cazzie, 1st one is Little Owl, 2nd bird Stonechat ♀ and 3rd Stonechat juv. Cheers

Barry3 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 03:25 PM

Hi
first bird little owl I can see an eye stripe on second bird so it could be Whinchat.
Barry

Cazzie · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 03:31 PM

Argh! They're so confusing these chat's eh?!?

GuyF · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 03:36 PM

I'd also go for Stonechat for the 2nd and 3rd birds. On number 2 the eyestripe doesn't look pronounced enough for a Whinchat, and I'm not sure whether Whinchats will still be in their breeding areas at this time of year, they should be on migration.
Lucky you seeing a Little Owl showing so well, I haven't seen one for a while.
Guy