Specific shapes of bird parts (nice scientific wording I know) isn't an accurate descriptor for anything, so I wouldn't include that in your identification criteria. The peregrines can do so many things with their feathers and posture that it is really impossible to get a handle on their shape and use that for identification. Size is something different, particularly when you are in the field, you can get a sense of size in relation to things and other birds, but things is better, as they don't change. So for example, he looks bigger in the nestbox, that's a pretty good warning flag. My suggestion would be to go back through photos and webcam images and look at Angel and look for things like Princess' head patter, the breadth/depth of the white on Trey's chest, Trey's black cap, Princess' speckles etc. Don't look at the pink/salmon coloured wash on the breast though, that changes through the season. Sometimes you can look at the width of the malar stripe, but that can change depending on how the bird is sitting/looking. Try to look at images where the bird is in different postures too - and in different locations and look for relative size in the box, on this sign etc. My question about the male at the Radisson is based on those kinds of assessments - and considering your familiarity with Angel, you are probably right, its not her - peregrines tend to get lighter with age, not darker so that is your first warning flag. Now break it down, feature by feature.
Oooooo, homework for Carly
Lucky Carly!!
