What in the World?

[sue-o]

Anyone want to give this a try?

[Brian S]

Nearly jumped in with Spectacled Warbler, given the rich orange in the greater coverts and edges to the remiges, but too much wrong, so it is probably a North American passerine/sparrow.

I am always willing to make myself look a fool - wild guess, Fox Sparrow?

Brian S

[sue-o]

Hi Brian,
You are certain not looking like a fool, this is a game and it’s tough one because the birds posted can be from anywhere I have sailed. A few have asked that I put in a region, but in some cases that would make things too easy (which you will see when the current bird and region are revealed). There would be no challenge at all! As John R. pointed out at the onset of these posts, this is just supposed to be a bit of fun. Colin did have a legitimate gripe about the ‘mediocre bits’ of photos I posted in the past, so now ‘What in the World’ will only have clear shots of birds that are partially obscured. I think a decent mystery photo but no region is a good compromise.
Anyway, sorry to say, the bird is not a Fox Sparrow. It does bring to mind a Spectacled at a first quick glance, doesn't it?
Cheers, Sue

[Hotspur]

Hi Brian,
You are certain not looking like a fool, this is a game and it’s tough one because the birds posted can be from anywhere I have sailed. A few have asked that I put in a region, but in some cases that would make things too easy (which you will see when the current bird and region are revealed). There would be no challenge at all! As John R. pointed out at the onset of these posts, this is just supposed to be a bit of fun. Colin did have a legitimate gripe about the ‘mediocre bits’ of photos I posted in the past, so now ‘What in the World’ will only have clear shots of birds that are partially obscured. I think a decent mystery photo but no region is a good compromise.
Anyway, sorry to say, the bird is not a Fox Sparrow. It does bring to mind a Spectacled at a first quick glance, doesn't it?
Cheers, Sue


Lesser Antillean Bullfinch female

[sue-o]

Hi James,
You're right. Thanks for taking a stab. We might be exploring soon and I thought I may have to post the answer due to lack of interest!
Sue

[Hotspur]

Hi James,
You're right. Thanks for taking a stab. We might be exploring soon and I thought I may have to post the answer due to lack of interest!
Sue

Initially went for Barbados Bullfinch but made a quick amendment as I realised you were on St. Lucia. I know they are dead easy to photo from experience and thus...

[sue-o]

Initially went for Barbados Bullfinch but made a quick amendment as I realised you were on St. Lucia. I know they are dead easy to photo from experience and thus...
Yes, but I still could have posted something from Ambryn Island in Vanuatu.;)

[Norman McCanch]

A gut reaction is that it looks like one of those (sometimes grotty) African sparrows; Grey-headed Sparrow (west Africa) or Swainsons Sparrow ( Ethiopia & East africa) are the only ones I have seen!