Date: 5/3/25 12:28 pm From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: Re: [IBLE] Golden Plover ID
I'm not asking for anything. I just thought there would be interest in the ID criteria.
Cliff
On 5/3/25 01:20PM, Ken Miracle via groups.io wrote: > I have seen that comparison of the primaries and tail on several ebird > checklists including RLRowlands and others who saw the bird and many > better photos than Kent’s that show what you are asking to see so not > sure what you are asking for? > >> On May 3, 2025, at 1:06 PM, Cliff Weisse via groups.io >> <cliffandlisa...> wrote: >> >> I've looked at more than 20 eBird checklists for the Pacific Golden >> Plover at Black's Creek. I don't see much mention of the relative >> length of Primaries/Tertails/Tail that is the only reliable way to >> separate American and Pacific without calls. It works in any plumage >> with the only caveat being that it may not work for molting birds. >> >> Breeding plumage Americans with no white on the flanks are straight >> forward but during molt they can look like much like Pacifics, and >> juveniles are very similar. The long bill and long legs can be >> helpful but a good look at the Primary/Tertial/Tail relationship can >> make it easy. Here are the important points taken from this article >> "*/Morphometric features of Pacific and American Golden-Plovers with >> comments on field identification/*" >> (https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=9bc92b3f984f118928e8f292158d19a586cc53ea): >> - Pacific has 2-3 primaries visible beyond tertials, American has 4-5 >> - tertials extend to distal third of tail, ending at or near tail tip >> in most Pacific, from half to distal third of tail on American >> - wing tip extends past end of tail more on American than Pacific, >> with little or no overlap >> - tips of outer two primaries are closer together on Pacific, with >> some overlap. >> >> With a good look at the rear end of the bird these differences create >> a different overall look, even if you can't see the details clearly. >> Kent's original photo that was posted to IBLE is a good example - it >> hints at Pacific with tertials appearing to extend nearly to end of >> tail and very short primary tips visible. You can't quite see the >> details but there is enough to suggest the need for a closer look. >> After reviewing the above linked article I did a Google search for >> photos and these features are clearly visible in countless examples >> of both species. If you want to get a better handle on Golden Plovers >> I'd recommend reading the article and spending some time looking at >> photos. >> >> Cliff >> >> -- >> Cliff and Lisa Weisse >> Island Park, Idaho >> <cliffandlisa...> > > Ken Miracle > <chukar28...> > 208-570-2780 > "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming > from us, but our sufficiency is from God" 2COR 3:5 > >
-- Cliff and Lisa Weisse Island Park, Idaho <cliffandlisa...>
