annoying wildlife identification

[thebeard]

so, there's a lot of species out there to ID, and often its quite easy, but there are a select few which are just really REALLY frustrating, but can present an enjoyable challenge.

heres a few examples

- as discussed in the bird forum Gulls, not only are they difficult due to similarities between species, and the fact they're always really far away, there's also juveniles, 1st winter, 2nd winter, etc etc. so annoying!

- Umbellifers - the carrot family, leafy plants, big and small, but at a glance all the same, loads of species, white flowers in umbels. these can be very tricky and easy to dismiss as 'just hogweed' or 'cow parsley'. last summer i enjoyed identifying these with francis rose's wildflower key, it was fun but lots to remember

- fungi.... 3000+ species - nuff said

- willow and marsh tits


any others ???

[loripo]

LBJs

[Dogghound]

Try getting into insects . I dont find it frustraiting I love the challenge and find it a great way of spending the time investigating all the options looking at the clues (habitat, host plant etc).

[thebeard]

yeh maybe 'annoying' and 'frustrating' were a poor choice of words, i'm looking forward to the insects in the warmer months, not really been into them that much, but i'm going to try this year

and yes, i'm sure they're very tricky to classify

[watsthat]

My particular bugbear is trying to identify finches in flight

Pete

[Andy Warne]

Dactylorhiza orchids. I've about lost all patience with them...but I can't help myself.

And anything that looks remotely like a dandelion.

[AshLee]

Just a few from me:

Mistle/Song Thrush
Willow Warbler/Chiffchaff
Rock/Tree/Meadow Pipit
Pied/White Wagtail
Smooth/Palmate Newt
Fritillaries - all of them
Small White/Green-veined White (sometimes)
Small Skipper/Essex Skipper
Lesser Marsh Grasshopper/Common Green Grasshopper
Marsh/Reed Warbler
Any bird that hybridizes (esp. gulls )
The Russula genus (and yes, most other fungi)
Bank/Field Vole

Also, Dunlins (as far as I can tell) are any small wader that you want them to be.


And I'm NOT going to mention Hawkweeds or Dandelions (they are likely to bring me out in a cold sweat).

[david156]

Originally Posted by AshLee

Just a few from me:

Mistle/Song Thrush
Willow Warbler/Chiffchaff
Rock/Tree/Meadow Pipit
Pied/White Wagtail
Smooth/Palmate Newt
Fritillaries - all of them
Small White/Green-veined White (sometimes)
Small Skipper/Essex Skipper
Lesser Marsh Grasshopper/Common Green Grasshopper
Marsh/Reed Warbler
Any bird that hybridizes (esp. gulls )
The Russula genus (and yes, most other fungi)
Bank/Field Vole

Also, Dunlins (as far as I can tell) are any small wader that you want them to be.


And I'm NOT going to mention Hawkweeds or Dandelions (they are likely to bring me out in a cold sweat).

You missed one thats always talked about
The dreaded Marsh Tit / Willow Tit problem

David

[oxycera]

I seem to have a blind-spot with Seals and Trees!

[AshLee]

Originally Posted by david156

You missed one thats always talked about
The dreaded Marsh Tit / Willow Tit problem

David

Oh noooo, don't mention that one again, David
*AshLee runs for the hills*