All pictures Colac, SW Vic.
The first picture, a bird in the sky: I see these a lot in the afternoon darting back and forth in the air. I presume a swallow chasing insects. Always in groups 20+
The second, a bird on the electric wire. Possibly starling ? Group of eight or ten.
The last two photos, probably aren't of much use, but I am hoping. I have trouble seeing them. About half an hour before sunset they come and perch on the top of a large golden elm tree. Seem to come in waves, and I think there are dozens of them. Really hard to get a photo as they are top of the tree and can only see them from underneath. Hopefully not starlings.
Thanks, and apologies for the terrible pictures.
Hi Greenthumb.
1. Thinking Welcome Swallow, but a bit hard to tell from that photo, shape and colour looks good but image is a bit blurry when I try to zoom in.
2. Looks good for a Eurasian or Common Starling, possibly immature or non breeding.
3&4 I also think are Starlings, or perhaps Commom or Eurasion Blacknpbird, fledgling or almost fledging, based on the short tail.
Happy as always to be corrected.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks !
Hi GreenThumb - you might also want to look at Tree & Fairy Martin for the swallow you posted above. A bit hard to see in the photos you posted above, but with the Welcome Swallows you can normally see the buff chin/face in flight. I've posted the notes for each of these attached, check them out and see if you can identify them next time you see them.
Thanks. I'll keep an eye out and see if I can spot the differences. Thank you.
Photo 1. I thought Tree Martin at first because of the colouring then when I saw the forked tail I would say Welcome Swallow as the Martins have a square tail
Photo 2. Common Starling
Photos 3 & 4. I agree with Dale with Juvenile Common Blackbird. The short tail, plumpy and that colouring
Thanks Devster. I think the starlings have moved on. Re 1, yes Welcome Swallow looks right to me. Thanks.