During an afternoon walk in Humarock, MA, we came across a large flock (>100) of Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis). We saw them in different settings — resting among cobbles, feeding in the wrack line, flying over the salt marsh. I'm still sorting through photos, but here are some my favorites so far:
How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIn the photo with 5 birds flying over water, the lower right bird has more detail in it's "shoulder" area? That's a wonderful photo!
Hi, Sue!
ReplyDeleteYes, that lower right bird is a female -- they have darker feathers than the males, especially in the area you're referring to -- formally the secondaries and the primary coverts. So in general the wings of the males look much whiter than the wings of the females.
Good job noticing the differences!
Jackie