3 unanimous votes for Marsh Sandpiper. And given that it isn't as uncommon as
it was, it's even more unlikely to be juvenile Wilson's Phalarope than I
thought. Is it worth reporting to Birdline? (I also saw a Buff-banded Rail
there - worth reporting too?)
Even though you people are certain what it is, I'd like to learn how to be
certain for myself for next time. Is there any features visible in my photos
that positively distinguish it? The shape of the edge of the feathers where
they meet the beak is shown as quite different in Simpson & Day. Is that a
reliable feature to use? Or should I just try to get a glimpse of the tail or
feet next time? Or just assume it just won't be a Wilson's Phalarope?
-----Original Message-----
From: Russell Woodford
Sent: Fri 19/01/2007 12:13 AM
To: Peter Shute
Cc:
Subject: Help identifying waterbird
Hi Peter
I thought it looked more like a standard immature. I've been using
Slater a lot since I picked one up about a month ago, but I have to
differ with him on this one: Marshies are regular at several places
now, and in reasonable numbers at the prime spots like Werribee.
I've seen them on most suitable wetlands SW of Melbourne. I was at
WTP on 2 Jan and we recorded Marshies on 2 of the 3 wader spots we
visited, and they were reported from a couple of others around the
same time. Not sure why their numbers have increased, but it does
seem like it.
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