Seen as this winter there seems to be a lot of new/old ID features of Redpoll being put into various different articles on how to tell the various lessers/mealies/arctics apart, I thought I would also jump on this band wagon...
But seen as I'm not a Redpoll expert in anyway at all thought I would just put links to all the articles on here just in case you haven't seen them all before.
Why would I do this? Well I suppose coming from inland birding its kinda hard to get excited at the thought of trying to find a Northern Harrier when a Hen Harrier that stuck would cause a twitch in Worcs! But Redpolls are a group of birds where the prospect, for an inland birder, of finding something a bit different and maybe even a BB are greatly increased! Also apparently York Uni gets a flock over the winter and they have held Mealies in recent years and apparently an Arctic not too many years ago, so there's always potential, although I've only had a single fly over so far!
Very in depth guide covering most species/subspecies to be found in the UK good comparisons between types and ages. http://www.worcesterbirding.co.uk/redpolls_58.html
Martin Garners Article, not as much detail but good encouragement for getting out there and finding your own birds! http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=2405
Just to show that not all Redpolls are Identifiiable and some have to be left as a best guess http://birdingfrontiers.com/2010/11/30/intermediate-arctic-redpoll/
http://sibleyguides.blogspot.com/2008/01/urging-caution-when-identifying-common.html
Good article focusing on Lessers and Mealies http://www.uk400clubonline.co.uk/File-Store/The-Separation-Of-Lesser-&-Mealy-Redpolls.pdf
Good tips on splitting the Arctics. Anyone know if the BOU/BOURC/BBRC are considering a split of exilipes and hornemanni? http://www.uk400clubonline.co.uk/File-Store/Arctic-Redpoll-ID-revisited.pdf
Also wise words to remember from one of the Crows Jonathan Lethbridge ''that not everything can be identified'' but give it a try!
If you haven't seen the crowcouncil blog yet check it out here http://thecrowcouncil.co.uk/blog/
Please tell me where this lighthouse is on your home page. Just found your website, what a pleasure!
ReplyDeleteThe lighthouse is from Fair Isle down at south light, glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteHi Tim,
ReplyDeleteResponded to your post on the young birder topic on Birdforum, and I must admit, I am very glad to have come across this blog - it's informative, well written and it's a pleasure to read of your birding accounts!
I am now following your blog and I have also added it to my blog. If you could do the same, that would be much appreciated, as would any feedback on my blog!
I am looking forward to reading more about your birding exploits. I must say, your picture of South Light on Fair Isle brings the memories of my trip there this October flooding back! Do you visit the island quite often, or have you only been the once?
Good Birding All the Best,
Joseph