8 replies to this topic

[Benjamin DeHaven]

Hey all!

Easy answer is Carolina Chickadee but this one is contrastier and with much more buff on its sides then the Carolinas I normally see around here. That being said, this was taken in Baltimore County, Maryland 8.23.12. And am I seeing a band on this guys leg?



DSC_5800 by BadBirds, on Flickr


DSC_5798 by BadBirds, on Flickr

Thanks!

Benjamin

[BarnSwallow]

You really wouldn't se a black-capped around here this time of year, so I'd say Carolina. It does have a lot of white on the wing, but I'd still say Carolina.

[IndigoBunting]

Yes, you are seing a band on its leg. I am not sure what the band is for, I dont think it make sense for it to be tagged. It seems to be a Black Capped Chickadee, which are very common in my area.

[BarnSwallow]

Black-capped are only in the Baltimore area in the winter, and even then, they are few.

[Liam]

The tag is for research purposes. If you can get a clear shot of the code on the band, you can get a definite ID.

However, I too agree with Carolina for the reasons already stated by ^those folks.

[Benjamin DeHaven]

Ok, I knew a Black-capped didn't belong here but it sure looks like one to me. Thought I'd call in for some experience before reporting it to eBird and adding to my life list...

Thanks!

Benjamin

[TheBillyPilgrim]

I don't think there is enough here to call it a Black-Capped. I'd expect to see more of the distinct "hockey stick" wing pattern. A shot of the throat would help clinch it though. As stated, it would be quite the rare find for Baltimore.

[Benjamin DeHaven]

Well, just for my own piece of mind I will post the best shot I have of his throat. Unfortunately it was one of the frames where my flash was recycling. I only got 5 frames of this guy total...



DSC_5799 by BadBirds, on Flickr

I am at peace with it being a Carolina, but would love it to be more!

Benjamin

[psweet]

I agree, Carolina. The white in the wing is often misunderstood -- what you're looking for is white on the secondary coverts. The secondaries themselves will often have white on the edges in Carolinas, especially when the plumage is fresh.