Indentification of Hebridean Birds Help please

dbozkurt · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2006, 06:12 PM

I hope someone can clarify for me the two attached photos, the first one was taken of the coast at the Balranald Bird Reserve today, I think looking through my books it could be a Female Velvet Scooter.

The other is a picture of 3 blurred small birds, taken on Benbecula in gales (hence the blurred). There are flocks of these birds amongst the cut corn, sparrow size, with white flashing on side and tail. They are often about, difficult to photograph, special in the wind. Can anyone from this rather blurred image tell me what they can be, I though maybe twites? If you think they are, its going to be relatively calm tomorrow I may spend an hour or two in the fields...I also want to get a good picture of a Red Wing, they are plentiful here at the moment.

Thankyou inadvance

Debbie[IMG]

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aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2006, 06:26 PM

Eider + Linnets.

Ollie · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-2006, 09:38 PM

I agree with aeshna5, the second photo are most definetly Linnet's. I see these quite regularly where I live
Roger

Wilf · #4 (**permalink**) 01-11-2006, 10:18 PM

I'd go along with the Eider and Linnet ID's as well

SouthernSkye · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2006, 06:28 PM

Evenin' All,
I agree:
1st is a female Eider. The distinctive wedge from bill to top of head is quite a good hint even when they are in shadow.
The other three (probably) female Linnets as I cannot see any pink tinges on the chest.
rgds
SS

dbozkurt · #6 (**permalink**) 03-11-2006, 11:49 AM

Thanks for all your help. Linnets it is, going to try and get a clear picture for my collection in the next few days. Normally see a flock of eiders male and female together which I think is what confused me as the duck was on her own.

Thanks again Debbie