Help with Bird I.D. - Photos

Xurek · #1 (**permalink**) 26-03-2011, 10:36 PM

Good Evening All,

Hope everyone enjoyed the weather today, was sunny and clear here in N.Ireland. Had a lovely day at Tyrella Beach where I was able to see Grey Heron, Ringed Plover, 200+ Golden Plover, Kestrel, 3 Red Kites, many corvids, Greater Black-backed Gulls, Cormorants, Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Curlew, Redshank, Oyster Catcher and a very lovely Wheatear, my first ever!

Anyway on to the important part, I could have a few more ticks here but would like your expert opinions on the following photos please.

Who are these little guys in amongst the Golden Plovers? I was thinking Dunlin or Sanderling?

I am guessing this is a Pipit, Meadow or Rock maybe?

I was thinking Twites? The book says there range isnt here but I know the book isnt always the absolute truth!

Is this lovely little bird a Linnet?

Thanks for your time guys, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

ChrisJB · #2 (**permalink**) 26-03-2011, 10:40 PM

You have dunlin, meadow pipit, twite (lovely birds!) and a linnet. A nice collection.

Regards, Chris

Xurek · #3 (**permalink**) 26-03-2011, 10:51 PM

Thank you for your speedy reply Chris, much appreciated! It was a brilliant day of birding

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 06:22 AM

Love your photo of the Twite- especially the pink rump showing.

Xurek · #5 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 04:46 PM

Oh, thank you aeshna5

Za · #6 (**permalink**) 27-03-2011, 04:53 PM

Looks like you had a great day out there!
Za

elvisoneill · #7 (**permalink**) 28-03-2011, 07:42 AM

Well done Xurek! Especially seeing the Twites.It shows you cant always believe what the books tell you!

This is a great time for Golden Plovers.

There are betwen 800 and a thousand at the moment at RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve.

Males are well into breeding plumage now and look great..especially their display team.Eat your hearts out Red Arrows..introducing The Golden Plovers!

best
Elvis

Gill Catton · #8 (**permalink**) 28-03-2011, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Love your photo of the Twite- especially the pink rump showing.

Yes you don't often seem to see that. I was relatively young when I saw my first twite and it was in the cotswolds. I just saw this brown finch like bird with this baby pink rump and I was thinking 'what on earth is that!!' had to go home and look it up. I can only assume it was there on passage.