Images of the Red Phalaropes from Headlands Beach State Park, Lake Co. Ohio 12 November 2000

Here are some close-ups of the two juveniles. The National Geographic Guide states that juveniles seen in the United States are well into their molt to 1st basic plumage. These two birds certainly are well along, with one bird slightly more advanced than the other.
The first two images apply to one bird, and the second two images apply to the second, more advanced molt individual.
This bird clearly shows the remnants of juvenile plumage at the base of the neck; beige/black streaking. The crown and ear patch markings are a bit more extensive than a winter adult would be.
From the front the juvenile wash of color is still evident from the base of the throat down the neck.
A brighter forehead, and a slightly tighter ear patch, yet not nearly as clean as an adult. Same goes for the neck which in the field appeared quite clean, but some discoloration appears in the print.

BELOW:
The base of the neck still shows (barely) the juvenile streaking. Here restricted to the center-line and not spilling around the neck as in the upper bird.


Photos by Victor W. Fazio, III, Copyright © 2000.
Shot using Fuji Superia 400 print film, processed in an hour, and the resulting prints scanned.

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