ML214917941

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Adult MEGU observed well for 2 hrs perched, preening and in flight. Slightly smaller overall than nearby RBGU, with a "daintier" build (smaller, more rounded head; smaller neck and chest/less robust than RBGU; more upright posture; rides higher in the water with elevated rear end; shorter legs). Plumage details, in comparison to same-age RBGU, include: smaller, thinner bill with a reddish partial ring near the tip; dusky eye, visible at close distance; extensive brown smudging on the head, nape, and sides of neck; darker gray mantle and upperwings than RBGU, which contrast with the white trailing edge of the upperwing in flight; dingy yellow legs. On the spread wing, it appeared that this bird is molting his outer primaries (giving the appearance of more black in this area than should be on adult MEGU); on a digiscoped shot, two large white mirrors show on p9 and p10 (diagnostic for MEGU), although the outer primaries appear less than fully grown.

Technical information

Model

C-LUX 2

ISO

100

Focal length

16.4 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/400 sec

Dimensions

1712 pixels x 1266 pixels

Original file size

466.1 KB