Bird Identification Help Please

Steven Gourlay · #1 28-12-2008, 03:42 PM

I went up the Ullapool hill walk today toward Rhidorroch estate. It was a lovely day, bit of a nip in the air but the sun was bright, took a few photos but could not get close enough to the birds to get any really good shots. After looking at a couple i am unsure what species of bird the are, any help would be appriciated.

Mallimak · #2 29-12-2008, 09:51 AM

Hi Steve

My initial thought was a Stonechat, but the pale eyebrow would be more in keeping with a Whinchat.

The problem with it being a Whinchat is that they are usually only around between April and October.

I would personally go with my gut feeling of Stonechat but I'm not the best at bird ID and am happy to be educated by someone who can explain the subtle differences between the two.

Cheers Dave

Steven Gourlay · #3 29-12-2008, 11:40 AM

Cheers for your thoughts Dave, Ullapool is on the gulf stream if that would make a difference to what time of year the birds are found here, sorry i don't know that much about bird migration. It does not get as cold in Ullapool as you would think, its actually colder 60miles south in Inverness.

Bryancrt · #4 30-12-2008, 01:48 PM

could be first winter Female reed bunting?

Steven Gourlay · #5 31-12-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryancrt

could be first winter Female reed bunting?

I think you could have it there Bryan.

Gannet1 · #6 01-01-2009, 11:48 AM

Hi Steven
This is a female Stonechat which are a resident all year species around your neck of woods.

Steven Gourlay · #7 01-01-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gannet1

Hi Steven
This is a female Stonechat which are a resident all year species around your neck of woods.

Cheers Gannet

Steven Gourlay · #8 02-01-2009, 04:46 PM

Sorry guys got another one am not sure about, hope you's can help. My first thought was a whinchat.

Mallimak · #9 03-01-2009, 04:53 PM

Steve

Was this local to you? Looks like you are on a beach somewhere.

I would go for a male Stonechat. Whinchat's are supposed to be a summer visitor to your part of the world and despite the gulf stream I would be surprised if it was one at this time of the year. But life is full of surprises :-)

Steven Gourlay · #10 03-01-2009, 07:20 PM

Cheers Mallimak, its a beach in Dornoch on the east coast of the highlands. I live in Ullapool but went to Dornoch to visit family after christmas, thanks for your advice.