Weekend bird Quiz

[jimmy]

Who's gonna get this one. :) :)

http://www.feathered-friends.co.uk/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=81&stc=1

[Robb]

Hi Jimmy,

Being a British man - I will say Probably a Cirl Bunting OR it could be a Hen Yellowhammer.

Cheers

Robb

[axelrod]

is it a savannah sparrow

[kenny]

this is an exremely rare songbird that is still in decline because of its loss of habitat which is the same for a lot of birds.

henslows sparrow?


ken

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Jimmy,

I agree with Axelrod with the guess of a Savannha Sparrow.

Paul H.:wink:

[Robb]

Hi Jimmy,

Please put this one to bed !
I am still saying Cirl Bunting

Robb

[axelrod]

congratulations kenny

[kenny]

hi axelrod,how do you know its the right bird mate ,has jimmy told you or have you found the bird somewhere


ken

[jimmy]

You never fail to amaze me Kenny, well done mate :) :) :)

Henslow's Sparrow
(Ammodramus henslowii)

A species of tallgrass prairies, agricultural grasslands, and pine savannas of the eastern U.S., this small sparrow has declined by more than 80% since 1966. Its native tallgrass prairie breeding habitat has declined by more than 90% and remaining grassland habitats are being lost to both reforestation and sprawl. The species migrates south to spend the non-breeding season in the native pine savanna habitats of the southeastern U.S.-a habitat type that is being rapidly converted to non-native fast-growing tree varieties that the species will not inhabit.

Identification
The Henslow's Sparrow is more often heard than seen though its song is nothing more than a short, hiccupped "Tslick," which it may repeat interspersed with a short pause, even throughout the night. Look for it in thick grassland habitats throughout its range though its distribution is normally very patchy and localized. Like other sparrows in its genus, the Henslow's is short-tailed and rather chunky with a flat head and relatively heavy bill. To distinguish it from related sparrows look for its streaked breast, olive-green face, and rufous-toned back and wings.

Distribution and Population Trends
The estimated remaining global population of approximately 50,000 birds now breeds from western New York and Pennsylvania west to southern Wisconsin, eastern Iowa, and eastern Kansas and Oklahoma. An isolated breeding population occurs in eastern North Carolina. Throughout most of this breeding range the birds occur in small, often isolated patches. Henslow's Sparrows formerly bred east to New England and New Jersey where they are now extirpated. An isolated population that once bred in coastal Texas and was considered by some to represent a unique subspecies has since also been lost to development. Breeding Bird Survey data indicate a range-wide decline of more than 80% since 1966. Significant populations remain in tallgrass prairie remnants in eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, and Missouri, in abandoned strip mines in western Pennsylvania; and smaller numbers in agricultural grasslands in the St. Lawrence Valley of New York. Important Bird Areas that support significant numbers of breeding Henslow's Sparrows include New York's Jefferson County Grasslands. In winter the species occurs in a belt extending from North Carolina west to eastern Texas. Important Bird Areas that support significant numbers of wintering Henslow's Sparrows include Florida's Apalachicola and Tates Hell Forests IBA. More IBAs for the species in other states are currently being identified

[axelrod]

hi kenny
with a bit of intensive surfing i came across the same photo that jimmy posted

[kenny]

hi jimmy /axelrod,

thanks the pair of you for making me the quiz boss:grin: :grin: :grin:


ken

[jimmy]

Hi Axelrod,

Thats what i like to see, a bit of detective work :) :)

I'll have to try and make them harder to find next time :)

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Kenny,

Without trying to make your head swell too much well done matey!

Paul.:grin:

[kenny]

thanks paul,

i dont try to show off but i just do it to annoy jimmy as much as possible.

ken

[kenny]

Hi Axelrod,

Thats what i like to see, a bit of detective work :) :)

I'll have to try and make them harder to find next time :) hi jimmy dont forget to send me a postcard from gozo

ken