the shorebirds are starting to return
this pic of a Whimbrel in front of a Silver Gull is interesting, Whimbrel is stated as 42cm and Gull as 43-44cm - interesting the difference that long beak makes
these pics are from Scarborough, Qld in Feb '13 and I have just sorted them in my process of trying to catch up
and the Bar-tailed Godwit is 42cm with the Silver Gull
from the same session
Peter
and the Great Knot is 27cm and with the Silver Gull and a group pic inlcuding the Whimbrel
from the same session as the previous
Peter
Thats great that you have the pics next to the gull to compare.
That is surprising. The shorebirds look quite a bit smaller. Thanks for that.
Poor old gulls,still regarded as inconsequential.
Not by me☺ They are a lovely bird and having witnessed
them feeding on samphire like any "real" bird ☺
I have more than a soft spot for them.
seagull having an early morning yawn!
1 - they should be glad that I included them as the standard for gauging size
2 - when they fly to Siberia to breed and then back to Australia for summer I will regard them as consequential ;-)
Peter
I concur
Lovely series of shots, Peter. It is surprising how small the shorebirds are when not seen through the camera lens and that bill makes quite a difference. It is useful to have a gull for reference but have you noticed that just when you want one they are nowhere near.
Also good to hear that you only sorting 2013 now... I am 'wading' through current pics from Darwin, 80 Mile Beach, Point Samson and Hutt Lagoon and it takes forever to sort the shorebirds and ID them. There seem to be a variety of sandpipers and plovers around at present aside from all the others. Then there are the flags and data-loggers to consider. keeps one busy.
Sue
I can't image having photographs for so long without sorting through them although I agree about identifying shore birds being painful.
Samford Valley Qld.
but I have often said 'should I sort some pics or go birding - and the birding option always wins
Peter
I hear you pacman. I have so many photos to sort its not funny.
Good thing I have plenty of harddrive space.
a terrabyte is a marvellous thing
Peter
i suppose overseas birders would be excited by a vagrant silver gull