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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Yet Another Bird ID Thread
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 05/11/2007 07:49:46 PM · #1
Okay. What is this? Seen in the Boulder area foothills. I've tried several bird ID sites and all I'm coming up with is confusion :)

05/11/2007 07:52:46 PM · #2
Looks like an American Kestrel :)

//www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/i3600id.html

Message edited by author 2007-05-11 19:54:17.
 05/11/2007 07:55:42 PM · #3
maybe a juvenile peregrine falcon ?
 05/11/2007 07:57:34 PM · #4
Kestrel images on Google
I have a few shots of one. They are beautiful, graceful, and fast in flight.
05/12/2007 12:33:01 PM · #5
Cool! Thanks for the reply and I'll have to remember the Google search trick. The guides I looked at showed such colorful versions of the Kestrel, it didn't look right.

I'm positive it was the Kestrel. i don't think it was nearly big enough to be even a young peregrine. Thanks again for the assist!
 05/12/2007 12:53:41 PM · #6
Depending on the size it's either a Merlin or Kestrel.

Edit 1: Looking at the size of the pinecones vs the bird I'm leaning towards Merlin actually. They're basically small Kestrels.

Edit 2: I might be joining the rest of you guys with Kestrel. I think the top of his head might be too light for a Merlin. I can't even find an example of a lighter Merlin to compair. If that's a Kestrel it's a tiny one though, heh.

Message edited by author 2007-05-12 13:06:51.
 05/12/2007 05:53:26 PM · #7
I don't think that merlins have the dark streaks below their eye which is found on kestrels.
I saw a bird that I have never noticed before today, and here is an image of it. I have no idea what it is, except that it resembles a woodpecker or sapsucker with the two forward and two backward toes. Here is the image:


Message edited by author 2007-05-12 20:54:52.
 05/12/2007 06:01:39 PM · #8
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
I don't think that melins have the dark streaks below their eye which is found on kestrels.
I saw a bird that I have never noticed before today, and here is an image of it. I have no idea what it is, except that it resembles a woodpecker or sapsucker with the two forward and two backward toes. Here is the image:


It's a Northern Flicker! They are in the woodpecker family.
 05/12/2007 06:28:39 PM · #9
Sorry, don't mean to hijack your thread rob_banks ... but I also have a bird I would like ID'd.. thanks!



Message edited by author 2007-05-12 18:28:54.
 05/12/2007 06:30:20 PM · #10
Originally posted by aerogurl:
Sorry, don't mean to hijack your thread rob_banks ... but I also have a bird I would like ID'd.. thanks!



Not sure but it could be a mockingbird? We don't have them here in Nfld so I could be wrong.
 05/12/2007 06:53:28 PM · #11
Looks like it could be a mockingbird.

No worries on the hijack. Hopefully we have you on the right track with your bird. ;)
 05/12/2007 07:59:36 PM · #12
Northern Mockingbird:



There are tons around here, and they can be incredibly obnoxious when they have eggs/young in the nest. A few years ago one was dive-bombing anyone who came near on Embassy Row in DC. Diplomats, businesspersons and the like. People set up lawn chairs across the street and proceeded to watch the action as one person after another was startled by the sudden appearance of a mockingbird in the face!
 05/12/2007 09:01:27 PM · #13
Originally posted by MaryO:


It's a Northern Flicker! They are in the woodpecker family.


Thank you. Maybe that explains why I have never noticed them here in S W Florida. It's a nice looking bird.

Maybe Rob could make this the "Mystery Bird" thread. : )

Message edited by author 2007-05-12 21:02:33.
 05/12/2007 09:12:59 PM · #14
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
Maybe Rob could make this the "Mystery Bird" thread. : )


It's a fun game. OK, well, for some of us. I find myself thumbing through the bird guide more and more often these days. The latest find was a Tree Swallow. GORGEOUS! Unfortunately he was too far away for a decent picture, even with the big zoom. Should've had the teleconverter on, but I wasn't expecting to find him ;-)

Still can't tell most types of sparrows apart but I'm learning!

Message edited by author 2007-05-12 21:13:26.
 05/12/2007 11:06:21 PM · #15
Originally posted by rob_banks:
Okay. What is this? Seen in the Boulder area foothills. I've tried several bird ID sites and all I'm coming up with is confusion :)



Here are a couple I had on-line to compare to:
Merlin - the first is a dark morph and the second is a Tiaga


Kestrel


Becasue of the facial markings I wouled say yours is a Kestrel.
 05/12/2007 11:22:17 PM · #16
Thanks Guys! It has built a nest in my grandmas holly bush at about eye level, I pulled in the other day and took a few shots from my car.. I'd like to get in there and see those babies but the bush it tooo prickly. My best bird shot to date.. so THANKS!
05/12/2007 11:50:31 PM · #17
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
I don't think that merlins have the dark streaks below their eye which is found on kestrels.


Merlins do have facial markings like the Kestrels. I think the Kestrels are just more pronounced. Colorings and markings on all birds are very variant. Take a Redtail hawk for instance. Some are very very light and some are very very dark; almost black, but once you see that tail in the sun you know.

I agree though; most likely a Kestrel in this case.
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