David asked an important question, and Mike provided an insightful answer.
Great stuff.
We can use this example to go from the particular to the general: Are the
features we see on an image real? Are they the product of distortions by
sun, wind, shadow etc? Are they due to the processing mechanisms? We ID a
bird based on its location at our own peril.
Carl Weber
An Appreciative member of the Birding-Aus Audience.
-----Original Message-----
From: Birding-Aus On Behalf Of
David Stowe
Sent: Thursday, 27 February 2014 7:54 PM
To: Mike Carter
Cc: ; brendon levot; David James
Subject: FW: Christmas Island Unknown Heron Identification
= Yellow Bittern
Hi Mike,
Thanks very much for that! Really appreciate these extra comments.
Best regards,
Dave
On 27/02/2014, at 3:55 PM, "Mike Carter" <> wrote:
> Hi David, It is because it is now clear that the streaks on the back are a
real plumage feature whereas before I thought they may have been highlights
produced by reflected sunlight combined with shadows of feathers raised by
wind Alternatively, photographic artefact due to the low quality image, low
pixel count - poor definition. Striated Herons are plain on the back, i.e.
they lack those stripes/streaks. The diagonal dark line across the face
through the eye is a diagnostic character of Yellow Bittern and shows better
in this image. Misleading is that it is suitable habitat for Striated Heron
but a bizarre place for a Yellow Bittern. Perhaps it had just flown in.
>
> Mike Carter
> 30 Canadian Bay Road
> Mount Eliza VIC 3930
> Tel (03) 9787 7136
>
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