[Birdtalk] Novice asking for ID help

[Kristin Purdy]

LaLine,

You did a great job photographing, researching and identifying your birds. You're also very brave to attempt white-headed gulls and even try to age them. You needn't wish you had our knowledge--you're ahead of many of us with the birds you saw. 

In order of the photos you presented, here are a few comments. IMG 2131 identified as a Yellow-legged Gull(?). Our friendly gullers on the list serv will let me know if I deserve to crash in infamy here, but I believe this bird may be a Vega Gull, Japan's counterpart to our American Herring. A few characters about this bird bother me, but hey, no guts, no glory. IMG 2146, the Common Gull approaching 2nd winter--I agree on the ID, but think this is a younger bird--first winter. IMG 2165 and 2191, identified as an Eastern Marsh Harrier, looks like a Black Kite to me. I'm not sure about IMG 2185, identified as a crow. The unidentified bird at the Edo-Tokyo Architectural Museum (IMG 1429) is a Pied Wagtail, likely a female. I agree with all the other IDs. 

I stand ready to be corrected if any of our Japan-savvy birders disagree with any of the above.  

On another note, with the possibility of seeing Tufted Ducks, Dusky Thrushes, Black Kites, and Whooper Swans, do you suppose the rest of us could visit your sister?

Kris
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: LaLine 
  To: birdtalk at utahbirds.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 10:57 AM
  Subject: [Birdtalk] Novice asking for ID help


  Hello,

  I've been lurking on this list for about a year now and I must say you are all quite amazing.  I've learned a lot just from reading your emails about identifying and finding birds and your tips for feeding, and on and on.  And I find your enthusiasm very catching.  I just wish I had all your knowledge!

  I recently spent a couple of weeks in Japan visiting my sister at Misawa Air Force Base.  She knew I was interested in birding and took me to a small "bird refuge" that she had dubbed Swan Lake.  Being a novice, I have done the best I can in identifying all the birds I took pictures of using my North American fieldguide (somewhat helpful since there is some overlap in ranges) and some research on the internet, but I'm not entirely confident I've gotten things right.  Would someone be willing to look at my pictures and give me some tips?  

  http://www.the-ray-family.com/cms/index.php?name=gallery2&g2_itemId=6180

  Thanks!

  LaLine Ray


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