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Birding/What bird did we see?
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Question
Dear Roger:
In early fall of 2006, my husband and I saw two birds at Higbee Beach in Cape May, N.J. They appeared all black, but when they flew we could see a pink fluorescent patch under each of their wings. They were about as big as a robin would be. What kind of bird was it? Thanks for your time, Amy
Well, I really do not know. I certainly do not know of any North American birds with pink fluorescent patches in their wings. I'm certain that was just an illusion of sunlight. There could have been white patches in the wings that appeared pink. But without knowing anything besides their size and that they were black, I can't venture an educated guess. Sorry. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | By complete coincidence, my husband had gotten a book from the library yesterday on birdwatching. I was telling him last night that I had asked you a ? @ those birds, and he flips to a page w/a red wing black bird. We sorta concluded that the red wing was what we saw. Your opinion definitely confirms it for me. Thanks so much for your help. The mystery is solved! Best Regards, Amy | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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