[EBB Sightings] re: Phalarope at Lafayette Reservoir

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Tuesday, 1/10 I was able to view & photograph (from the top of the dam) the Phalarope reported in EBB sightings. My lens is only a 200mm so photos were a tad soft. Having never seen a Red or Red-necked Phalarope, I dutifully ID'ed the photo as a Red. Today, however, I had opportunity to photograph one of 5 Red Phalaropes at Don Edwards (in the pond where the Eared Grebes feed along the south of Hwy 92). There's no doubt about today's ID being Red Phalaropes.
  But, the bird at Lafayette does not look like the Red Phalarope I captured today. I re-examined my pics of the Lafayette bird & see several field marks I think may indicate a Red-necked Phalarope:
   
  1. White edging on the back feathers, giving it a streaked look
  2. A strong black patch on the side of the head that covers the eye, extending back across the ear
  3. A dark/black cap
  4. The bill appears very sharply pointed & straight, thin at the end; not like the Red I captured today.
   
  I would recommend someone w/ expertise in Phalaropes re-examine the Lafayette bird to confirm possible Red-necked ID. Thanks
   
  Joe Devine
  mojoedevine at yahoo.com

		
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 & straight, thin at the end; not like the Red I captured today.  
 
  
I would recommend someone w/ expertise in Phalaropes re-examine the Lafayette bird to confirm possible Red-necked ID. Thanks
  
 
  
Joe Devine
  
mojoedevine at yahoo.com

		
Yahoo! Photos
 
Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.
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