6 replies to this topic

[Sgtmac1]

Another bird from my pelagic trip on 4-21-12. I believe this is a Short-tailed Shearwater, but would love a confirmation since it's a life bird. Thanks, Mac.

[ColoTomo]

The difference between sooty and short tailed is pretty subtle. At the distance of your photo, personally I wouldn't call it. You'll probably notice 70 views and nobody has jumped in. Pelagic birds are a bit of a specialty. Unfortunately the best place to get this bird confirmed would have been on the boat with the crew present. If you keep bumping this thread, you may get lucky with someone very good with shearwaters, but I've been here a while and can't think of anyone. Aberrant's great at gulls, not sure about shearwaters. If it were me, I'd save it as a possible lifer on another pelagic trip...

[Sgtmac1]

Colo Tomo thanks for the reply. I was afraid it might be hard to call. The spotters on the boat did identify short-tailed Shearwaters, but I took so many pictures that I'm not sure if this was the right one. I'm still going thru pictures, so maybe I'll find a better one. Thanks again, Mac.

[guy_incognito]

I looked at it before and certainly didn't feel comfortable enough to call it either Sooty or Short-tailed. Was hoping to get an idea on the bill length, but don't think I can see it well enough with this picture. How much of a crop is the above image? Perhaps a tighter crop on the original image might provide more detail?

[Sgtmac1]

I looked at it before and certainly didn't feel comfortable enough to call it either Sooty or Short-tailed. Was hoping to get an idea on the bill length, but don't think I can see it well enough with this picture. How much of a crop is the above image? Perhaps a tighter crop on the original image might provide more detail?

It wasn't cropped at all. Maybe this will be a little better. Thanks for the help, mac.

[guy_incognito]

Hey mac. This picture certainly is better. Your bird does appear to be relatively short billed and short tailed. If your guides called out Short-tailed and this picture fits in time wise, I'd say it is probably safe enough to count it. If this picture stood completely on its own, I'd have a hard time calling it, mainly because I am no sea bird expert.

I've counted a couple birds where my pictures don't 100% prove the ID, but I counted them because I know they were the birds that were called out by the guides (Black Storm-petrel and Red Phalarope on a pelagic trip).

[Sgtmac1]

Guy_incognito, thanks for the advice. I am confident enough that it was one of the Short-tailed Shearwaters the guide called out, that I am going to count it. Your advice makes me feel better about that decision. Thanks again, Mac.