10 replies to this topic

[canon eos]

I posted another bird earlier and it was ID'd as a Pine Siskin.
I shot this in the same area and would like to know if it is a juvenile?



6985-4ID by canuckguyinadarkroom, on Flickr



Thanks for any input and comments.

[Parula]

definately pine siskin

[NatureLady]

Looks like one to me; but I have 3 bird guide books and none of them show juvie.

[BarnSwallow]

Yeah, I don't see anything that doesn't look like an adult to me.

[canon eos]

Looks like one to me; but I have 3 bird guide books and none of them show juvie.

Is it just me, or would others agree that most bird guide books need to be updated with better photos?
Oh, and no, I'm not looking for a retirement project......LOL

[NatureLady]

Is it just me, or would others agree that most bird guide books need to be updated with better photos?
Oh, and no, I'm not looking for a retirement project......LOL

Yes and they could use their range maps updated!

[BarnSwallow]

I think it's individual variation that throws a lot of people off - they're looking to "match" a bird with a picture in a guide. That, and when they see a bird in an unusual posture, or in bad lighting, or from a bad angle. You can see things that aren't there, or not see things that are. That said, yeah, most field guides could stand to have more plumages and ages. The trouble is, it confuses beginners if there are TOO many options. The beginner-type field guides are good in the very beginning, but most beginners should upgrade to a better book sooner than they do.

[NatureLady]

I think it's individual variation that throws a lot of people off - they're looking to "match" a bird with a picture in a guide. That, and when they see a bird in an unusual posture, or in bad lighting, or from a bad angle. You can see things that aren't there, or not see things that are. That said, yeah, most field guides could stand to have more plumages and ages. The trouble is, it confuses beginners if there are TOO many options. The beginner-type field guides are good in the very beginning, but most beginners should upgrade to a better book sooner than they do.

What guide books do you use? We have Stoke's, Sibley's, and Peterson's.

[BarnSwallow]

I use mostly Sibley's, and I have Stokes' Kauffman's, Peterson's, and I got Crossley's recently. Plus a bunch of other specialized ones - Wheeler's hawks, a sparrow book, and uh, pretty much every one there is!

[birdbrain22]

Yes and they could use their range maps updated!

Ranges should always be considered as a rough estimate of natural range... at least that is how I have always looked at it.

[NatureLady]

Ranges should always be considered as a rough estimate of natural range... at least that is how I have always looked at it.

Totally agree, we sometimes see birds out of their "range" I guess they forgot to look at their map!