dow-ouch-ers

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Comments:
: Nick is of course correct. Although the patterning to the scaps on the central bird looks quite buffy on my monitor, looking closer (which I should have done at first) it's obvious that what I was interpreting as buff fringing to juvenile scaps is actually buff-toned internal barring, which is typical of adults. Similar, but more faded and whitish barring is apparent on the scaps and tertials of the upper two birds, so I should have made the connection. In fact, there doesn't seem to be much fringing at all remaining on the scaps of the central bird. Its scaps also seem much too rounded for a juvenile, particularly one as fresh at it would have to be at this date. Also, as Gary stated, the buff/rust color extends down too far onto the belly for a typical juvenile of either species. These do appear to be all adults - guess I stuck my neck out too quickly. : I still do suspect that the sort of zebra-striped scapular and tertial pattern apparent on all four birds is likely more typical of Short-billed (at least caurinus and hendersoni) It doesn't seem right for Long-billed to me, and I plan to look into that when I get the chance. Rushing and blowing it on these mystery birds is quite motivational for learning. : Cheers, : Phil

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