handrew

I photographed this at Long Valley late this afternoon (18th Jan 2009).

I think it is Richard's but wondered if it might be Blyth's.

Expert advice please!!

Thanks

Andrew

cgeoff

Just a Richard's, unfortunately!

Geoff

handrew

Thanks Geoff. I was looking at the fringing on the median coverts and the "weight" of the bill......... (Alstrom & Mild plates 13 + 15)

Andrew

lpaul

An interesting bird, whilst not Blyth's it is quite pale and grey looking.  I wonder if this is of the subspecies dauricus (which is rather pale) rather than the usual occurring northern taxon richardi.  I understand that dauricus in the UK have also invited confusion with Blyth's Pipit.