ML349106691

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Did not approach any other bird close enough for size comparison. When first seen, grayish brown on crown and nape indicated PALO, but heft of bill and head suggested COLO. We then began evaluating possibility of ARLO. Likely first summer bird. Back brown. Sides whitish, mottled with some brownish flecking, except for side of chest which was dusky to (or nearly to waterline). Anterior neck, throat and chin bright white with no hint of chin strap. Sides of neck dark grayish brown with no trace of partial collar seen on young or winter plumage COLO. Crown and nape grayish brown. Area behind auriculars modestly paler. Auriculars largely white, with white extending slightly upwards so that lower posterior eye was in contact with white feathering. Inferior eye in contact with white. Above and directly in front of eye, grayish brown. Gray brown extended downwards to middle or top of upper mandible. Bill predominately pale silvery color. Culmen dark. Bill and head proportionately larger and more angular than that of PALO but not as much so as COLO. Lacked rounded head shape of PALO. Bill head up at 15-30 degrees or so angle much of time. Bird was largely floating about and inactive for 15-20 minutes and then had head tucked in for most of another 10-15 minutes. Lighting from directly behind us with no heat waves; sun out for about 25% of total observation time. Winds light.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D810

ISO

1600

Focal length

500 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/2500 sec

Dimensions

222 pixels x 170 pixels

Original file size

31.2 KB