3 Birds for ID

[Dae]

Spent the day at the RSPB'S recently acquired Newport Wetlands here in Wales, and came away with a few photos despite the "open day" they had going on yesterday. The possible redstart and the wagtail were taken by my husband, where the little grebe unfortunately was taken by me. I was hoping to verify 3 bird ID's.

Thanks!

Redstart Juvenile?


Little Grebe Juvenile?


Pied Wagtail Juvenile?

[RobinP]

I would agree with all three suggested ids, Dae. There is definitely a reddish tail on no.1, 2 is the right shape and colouration for LG and 3, well it couldn't be anything else really. Nice to see some youngsters about.

[Dae]

It really was great to see all the young ones out, though the adults were all in hiding

I think the only debate about the last one, between me and my husband, was that he believed it could be a white wagtail juvie. I found that extremely unlikely and said so, but thought I'd put it up anyways just to be sure

Thanks for the confirmations Robin!

[big bill]

Hello Jen nice pics too agrre with Robin on IDs of 1&2 ,3 nthe Wagtail not to sure undecided one minute yest its a Pied then next it could be a white hard to tell ,but going by head matking I am edging leaning towards the Pied hope that helps

[ChrisJB]

1. is a juv' Robin
2. is a juv' little grebe
3. is a juv' pied wagtail.

Regards, Chris

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

1. is a juv' Robin
2. is a juv' little grebe
3. is a juv' pied wagtail.

Regards, Chris

I can see 1 looks like a Robin, but I'm sure it's not- note the reddish tail for starters + the plumage is different. I'm convinced it is indeed a juv. Redstart.

[djackso]

1. The paler edging on wing feathers suggests redstart to me

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I can see 1 looks like a Robin, but I'm sure it's not- note the reddish tail for starters + the plumage is different. I'm convinced it is indeed a juv. Redstart.

I have to say I agonised over this one a bit and the tail does look red, but I have been watching young redstarts recently in a couple of places and the head shape doesn't look right for it to me. Of course I could be wrong, but I am just not getting redstart from the image!

Regards, Chris

[Dae]

Well here's a composite I created to put both the juvenile robin and the juvenile in question side-by-side. Now when the bird in question flew to the perch it was on, I definitely saw a definite red flash of the tail when it was flying. I don't see that with robins typically, even juveniles. That's what made me think it was something different. I look at them side-by-side and I see more definite red on the bird in question than I do on the juvenile robin.

Anyways, I'll let everyone decide for themselves.

[RobinP]

I could be leaning towards my namesake now, do juv Redstarts have that degree of spottiness on their heads and napes?