16 replies to this topic

[timb]

First one is from 9/12. It was taken in some fog on the Gem Lake Trail in Estes Park, CO.
Hairy Woodpecker


Second photo was taken 9/15 on US 87 near Texline, TX (NW panhandle).
Rough-legged Hawk? It was with a group of Swainson's Hawks.


Tim

[jdeitsch]

1. confirmed

2. I think so

[cestma]

Would that be an exceptionally early siting for a Rough-legged in Texas?

[psweet]

The hawk is a juvenile Swainson's -- the only other buteo we have with dark under the flight feathers is Short-tailed, and this guy's wings are much too long for a Short-tailed.

[meghann]

I'm going to vote Downy on the woodpecker. The bill looks kinda big, but not that big, the "comma" isn't present, and pretty sure I see spots on the white feathers of the tail.

[timb]

Would that be an exceptionally early siting for a Rough-legged in Texas?

I took a look at Ebird and September is early for Rough-legged.

The hawk is a juvenile Swainson's -- the only other buteo we have with dark under the flight feathers is Short-tailed, and this guy's wings are much too long for a Short-tailed.

I had thought the dark tail band ruled out Swainson's, but had only checked my field guide. After seeing your ID, I took a look online at juvenile Swainson's. It does seem to be a better fit.

Tim

[timb]

I'm going to vote Downy on the woodpecker. The bill looks kinda big, but not that big, the "comma" isn't present, and pretty sure I see spots on the white feathers of the tail.

I noticed the spots as well, but decided the bill was just too big for Downy. Could the spots be due to a twig or other obstruction?

Tim

[meghann]

For me, Hairy woodpeckers have the same GISS as red-bellied, including the beak. This one doesn't look anywhere near that big. (plus the missing comma, and the spots, which I don't believe are a twig.)

I've caught pictures of downy woodpeckers with a sizable looking bill before, like this one:



woodpecker by midgetinvasion, on Flickr

[timb]

I went back and found another photo although it is even blurrier than the first. The bill seems smaller relative to the head in this one, although I guess that could be due to the angle.


Tim

[blackburnian]

I just think the bill is still to large for Downy

[meghann]

I just think the bill is still to large for Downy

Then what about the lack of a comma AND the black spots on the tail? If we were just discussing bill, I'd be more likely to concede, but all three of those together are enough to convince me.

[JimBob]

I have seen one (no doubt) Hairy lacking the spots. I agree that this bird is a Hairy.

[meghann]

I have seen one (no doubt) Hairy lacking the spots. I agree that this bird is a Hairy.

Lacking which spots?

[Gordo]

I'm gonna go with Downy on this one too. The spots on the tail feathers point to nothing else.
As far as the "large" bill size goes... We have a LOT of Downy Woodpeckers in our area and a larger bill than 'normal' isn't that uncommon. The bill on this bird is bigger than the norm but still smaller in dimension relative to the size of the head than it would be on a Hairy. Not that I have a lot of experience with Hairys, around here they're quite elusive & rare but I am getting to know the variations among the Downy since I have opportunity to see them practically every time I'm out and about. Even without the spots I'd lean towards Downy over Hairy on this bird.

[blackburnian]

maybe this bird is just simply lacking the comma?

[Pat B.]

Of course, size is the answer here - how big was it? I'm leaning to Downey from looks alone - bill doesn't look long enough for a Hairy (although it it fairly long for a Downy) and the bird has a "cute" babyish look about it.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Pretty certain the Woodpecker is a male Hairy. The bill looks much too large for a Downy.