Is this a ...?

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Araminta
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Is this a ...?

Am I right in thinking that this is a Skylark?

Took the photo some time ago at the Western Treatment Plant. From a fair distance, as the bird kept moving away from me at the same pace I got closercheeky

ihewman
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Brown Songlark male, I think. I might need to check the various plumages between breeding, non-breeding, male and female... but none the less, a Brown Songlark.

Brandon (aka ihewman)

Araminta
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Thanks Brandon. There are quite a few at the WTP, very hard to get close to, when they are on the ground they run along the paths. Nowhere for you to hide while taking photos. They know how to keep a safe distance from you.wink

M-L

desbee
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I may be wrong, but I think this might be a Richard's Pipit. According to my book the Skylark has a small crest. I was at the WTP on Monday and photographed one of these (the Pipit) as well and will post my photo as soon as I have sorted them all out. I would add it on here, but I'm not sure if that is construed as "Hijacking" your post and frowned upon as it is in some forums. Perhaps someone can put me straight on that point.

Des

timmo
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Personally, I think that as long as it's directly relevant to answering the original question then it's not hijacking the post, but always best to ask the OP.

Cheers
Tim
Brisbane

timmo
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Nice work getting the pic M-L, given he was so intent on running away.

Cheers
Tim
Brisbane

Woko
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I suggest this is a non-breeding male Brown Songlark. The call of the male breeding Brown Songlark is a startling electronic sound of Star Wars proportions so if you can get to to the WTP in spring you may well hear it.

Araminta
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desbee wrote:

I may be wrong, but I think this might be a Richard's Pipit. According to my book the Skylark has a small crest. I was at the WTP on Monday and photographed one of these (the Pipit) as well and will post my photo as soon as I have sorted them all out. I would add it on here, but I'm not sure if that is construed as "Hijacking" your post and frowned upon as it is in some forums. Perhaps someone can put me straight on that point.

Des

Go ahead Des, I'm waiting for your photo.Any photo that can help me establishing what bird it is, is most welcome.

M-L

desbee
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Here is my photo. I took 5, but they are all from the same angle. When I tried to get another angle the bird took off into the grasses. I realise that it's hard to compare, but my book "Australian Birds" by Donald and Molly Trounson definitely mentions that the Skylark has a small crest. See what you think.

Des

Araminta
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Very difficult for me to saycrying, but I do think mine is a Brown Songlark.

Yours could also be one? The shape of the R's Pipit's beak is a lot more slender, while the bird in your photos has a similar beak to mine. What do you think?

M-L

ihewman
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Des, I think your bird is a pipit (no longer Richard's pipit, the Australasian Pipit has been split). Notice the crouched posture... typical of the pipit. Although, the plumage does seem underdeveloped, perhaps a juvenile, but you can see a white outer tail feather which also suggests pipit.

Brandon (aka ihewman)

desbee
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I'm still confused about your bird M.L. mainly due to the lack of a crest. However, I do think mine is a Pipit - thanks for your input Brandon.

How often do you go to the Treatment Plant M L? I went last Monday and finished up with close to 500 photos which I will probably cull to about 50. There is such a variety of subjects there it is a whole days outing.

Des

Araminta
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I haven't been to the Treatment Plant since my husband died in October. I would love to go, but I'm a bit scared all by myself. There aren't many people, that's nice, but if something happens, even if your car breakes down....? It'll take hours before anyone would find you. Most of my friends tell me not to worry, or they say; well come with you one day....haven't worked out exactly which day they are talking about?    One day I will be brave enough?

M-L

desbee
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Let me know when you would like to go and I will arrange to meet you there if you would like. I usually take lunch and a thermos and get there at about 11am and leave about 3pm, and I have found that Lake Borrie is the best. You can contact me on  5263 1271 or 0428 371 282 if you wish to talk about it.

Des

Araminta
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Hi Des, I sent you a private message.

M-L

SteveM
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I'll post another vote for Brown Songlark for the bird in post#1, but I favour Skylark for the bird in post#9. I agree with Brandon in that it does appear to be a juvenile, as the pumage doesn't look right for adult of either Pipit or Skylark. I have little experience with Skylarks, none in my area, but I believe the very conical bill shape is a distinguishing feature of Skylark over Pipit.

desbee
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Thanks a lot Stevelaugh, now I'm really confused!indecision I think I will just call mine "That Bird".

Des

Araminta
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Haha, I'm with Steve yes

Des, there are some people I know, who call all small birds "little brown birds"wink

M-L

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