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Crappy Photos #1

posted by Jerry Liguori at
on Saturday, January 28, 2012 


Gee Mike, you didn't do me any favors with these pics, but that was the point of the post. If I identify them correctly, will you delete them from your files so nobody can see them again and prove me wrong? Just kidding of course.

The top photo is a juvenile Peregrine Falcon. The overall shape (heavy bodied, and long and narrow wings without any bulge is typical of a Peregrine from this angle), and the feet (large with long toes, most long-toed raptors have skinny toes and appear smaller-footed) are good clues. Although it looks grayish on top, it is the type of grayish that juveniles appear to be in poor light. Also, it does look streaked on the breast and uniformly colored underneath instead of darker on the belly like adults.

The bottom bird is a juvenile Red-tail. Blocky wings in a glide with the wing tips projecting only slightly are perfect for Red-tail. It looks white-headed but that is typical of gliding birds when the sun blasts the head only. The squarish shape of the pale primary "panels" fit perfect for juvenile Red-tail. Other juvenile buteos show slightly differently shaped "panels" or "windows." Also, the bird is buffy-white underneath, lacking the faint (or strong) rufous tone to the underside most adults show.

Hope this helps, and if I get more of these type of photos....I will fail to be of any help sooner rather than later.

Thanks Mike

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3 Comments:
Anonymous m is for mike said...

Yes and yes! I was hoping the sun-flashed white head of the Red tail would slow you down, and honestly didn't think you'd get the Peregrine. Yes, it was a juvenile, as was the RT. Both birds passed close enough overhead for an ID before I was able to fire up my camera. Great tip about the Peregrine's feet- it's a field mark I've not considered. Thank you for the detailed walk throughs.
Mike
Ps- Despite your goal of wanting to rid the world of crappy shots, I can't delete these. They're the best bird photos I've got! ;-)

January 28, 2012 at 8:11 PM  
Blogger Bryce said...

Now this is a great post! Keep these type of discussions coming, please.

And Mike, even though I'm not around anymore, remember to keep me in mind if you ever have any "crappy" photos to share.

Bryce

January 29, 2012 at 10:17 PM  
Anonymous Jerry Liguori said...

Yes Mike, "my goal"... that is too funny.

Hi Bryce, I just thought it would be fun.

January 30, 2012 at 8:36 AM  

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