[DennisM39]

I am new to birding and are having trouble identifying these two species. Can anyone please confirm?
(Pic 5 is a common merganser for comparison)

They were taken at Beechy Head Jan 30. I think the first 4 are red-breasted mergansers because of the lack of clear white throat/chest on the female and the Brandt's cormorant because of the orange patch b on the throat.

Thanks!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pbXwESzcoKioYgjr6

[zwest]

I am new to birding and are having trouble identifying these two species. Can anyone please confirm?
(Pic 5 is a common merganser for comparison)

They were taken at Beechy Head Jan 30. I think the first 4 are red-breasted mergansers because of the lack of clear white throat/chest on the female and the Brandt's cormorant because of the orange patch b on the throat.

Thanks!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pbXwESzcoKioYgjr6

Hi, the first one looks good for Red-breasted and the other mergansers are Common (note the white chin patch and the clean cut-off between red and white going down the neck).

Those cormorants are Double-crested (though I can’t quite tell with the one on the left). Brandt’s have more of a dull suede throat patch in winter, not the bright orange you see here. Also, that patch on Brandt’s does not extend up to the eye like with these birds.

Cheers

[DennisM39]

Thanks for the clarification. As a newbee it is so nice to be able to ask for help!