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DPChallenge Forums >> Out and About >> Bird ID + Glacier NP
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Showing posts 1 - 6 of 6, (reverse)
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 09/17/2005 05:26:01 PM · #1
I'm stumped on a bird ID. Here is one picture: Duck 1 and another Duck 2.

These were taken at Glacier National Park in Montana a couple weeks ago. Based on the bill shape, I am thinking this is a juvenile bufflehead, but it is lacking the white cheek patches as seen on this bird from the same lake. Perhaps it could also be a Goldeneye with out the golden eye?

This one could be a bit more difficult. I can't tell if it is a Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk or Northern Goshawk. All three are uncommon sightings for that area. Does anybody know how to tell these apart from underneath? I wasn't able to get a better look than this pic.

If you have comments on any of my other Glacier pictures I am happy to hear them as well.

Thanks!

-Ryan
 09/17/2005 05:33:05 PM · #2
Ryan,

Duck's 1 & 2 are Barrow's Goldeneye both appear to be immature males

3rd duck is immature male Common Goldeneye

Hawk is Sharp-shinned. Even though it shows rounded tail, the head would stick out more like a cross for a Cooper's and doesn't appear large enough for a goshawk to me.

Wonderful shots.

09/17/2005 05:35:49 PM · #3
Van- Thanks for the info! The book I am using for reference only shows the juvenile Goldeneyes with the bright yellow eyes, so that was throwing me off.

-Ryan
 09/17/2005 05:35:59 PM · #4
The bird looks like a female Barrow's Goldeneye:

09/17/2005 05:56:29 PM · #5
Bealeboy, males can look like females until immature to adult molt is completed, so it could be a female. Van
 09/17/2005 08:35:38 PM · #6
Originally posted by vtruan:
Bealeboy, males can look like females until immature to adult molt is completed, so it could be a female. Van


Thanks. I knew that. I too am trained as a field biologist. And I think you mean it could be a male, right? ;)
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