I'd have a stab at aging this bird as about 4 years, they tend to be yellow green as immatures, yellow 2nd year, yellow orange 3rd and orange as this bird is 4th. So by next year it will be deep orange to red and the primaries will be a dark copper with black centres. At Dinton Pastures I've studied over 40 birds over the last 20 winters and my opinion is the bulk are 1-3 years old.
Very interesting comment but I’m not sure you can trust the colours on processed photos. These images all have a noticeable orange/brown tone compared to all the other photos of the same bird.
I'd have a stab at aging this bird as about 4 years, they tend to be yellow green as immatures, yellow 2nd year, yellow orange 3rd and orange as this bird is 4th. So by next year it will be deep orange to red and the primaries will be a dark copper with black centres. At Dinton Pastures I've studied over 40 birds over the last 20 winters and my opinion is the bulk are 1-3 years old.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting comment but I’m not sure you can trust the colours on processed photos. These images all have a noticeable orange/brown tone compared to all the other photos of the same bird.
ReplyDeleteI hear you it's only my rough guide, I'd still stick to being at least 3 years old
ReplyDelete