Rare Bird spotted in Burry Holms Wales ??

[Kiscokid]

I recently went on a walk whilst on holiday in Wales where I spotted this bird hovering over an estuary at Burry Holms. About the size of a buzzard - this was brown and hung over a cliff face for about 3 minutes - not moving an inch. It hovered and did not flap its wings - keeping this shape for all that time. I have no idea what I have seen - although I am a bit of a newcomer to this.

Just on the same cliff face were these 2 cormorants and a shag. Has anyone any advice. Apologies for the grainy picture but hopefully the sillouette will give it away. Thanks.

[nigelblake]

I recently went on a walk whilst on holiday in Wales where I spotted this bird hovering over an estuary at Burry Holms. About the size of a buzzard - this was brown and hung over a cliff face for about 3 minutes - not moving an inch. It hovered and did not flap its wings - keeping this shape for all that time. I have no idea what I have seen - although I am a bit of a newcomer to this.

Just on the same cliff face were these 2 cormorants and a shag. Has anyone any advice. Apologies for the grainy picture but hopefully the sillouette will give it away. Thanks.

It is a Kestrel, (Falco tinnunculus)

[Bluetail]

Hi Jon. As you say, not much to go on other than the silhouette! Your bird is actually a bit smaller than a Buzzard - it's a Kestrel. The long tail and pointed wings give it away and the fact that it was hagning in the air is also a good indicator. Normally Kestrels hover with rapidly beating wings, but where there is a good updraught of air they can just hang there and save themselves energy.

[Kiscokid]

Hi Jon. As you say, not much to go on other than the silhouette! Your bird is actually a bit smaller than a Buzzard - it's a Kestrel. The long tail and pointed wings give it away and the fact that it was hagning in the air is also a good indicator. Normally Kestrels hover with rapidly beating wings, but where there is a good updraught of air they can just hang there and save themselves energy.

I thought I'd seen kestrels significantly smaller than this one locally to where I live - and I thought they also fanned their tails a bit more often. Still - I'm literally just learning - so cheers for the advice/help !

[Bluetail]

Still - I'm literally just learning - so cheers for the advice/help !You're very welcome. And you spotted the difference between the Cormorants and the Shag so you're obviously on the right tracks - they can be tricky for beginners. They still make me think sometimes!

[Keith Reeder]

Female kestrels can be a lot bigger than the males, and there is significant variation.

And you'll notice that the windier it is, the less a kes will fan its tail - I bet the photo was taken on a windy day!

;)

[Kiscokid]

Thanks for your help - and there was me thinking I'd seen something a bit special ! Still - the way it held its position was a fine site to behold.
At the same location near Worms Head, Three peregrine falcons were also spotted from the boat. One adult and 2 younger ones - flying in front of the cliff face in what was a 'v' formation. They were chasing a pigeon which the adult caught in mid-air. My wife tells me it was an amazing spectacle.