Posted by Paul on December 08, 2003 at 19:00:26:
In Reply to: Re: What Say You? Part 2 posted by John Boyd on December 08, 2003 at 09:54:15:
John: in my other pictures the cap is quite dark and brownish in color not gray. Also, in the other pictures the ear spot is quite pronounced. According to Sibley, pages 163 (Guide to Birds) the pictures for Pacific golden, as well as European golden give the color as brownish and not gray as the Black-bellied shows. The black bellied also does not talk about a ear spot. To recap, this bird was brownish in color with definite ear spot and clear brown cap running from beak to back of top-head (just past the eye) but not the nape. Also the chest was slightly colored but underneath it was white.
Can I send you some of the photo series? Unfortunately all are taken broad side to full head on. None from the rear as the bird was facing north into a strong wind and the shore line and I couldn't get behind it.
The pictures i have more nearly match the European golden of Pacific golden.
'Tis a puzzlement!