[amelia1730]

Am I right in thinking that the Peregrine is the only BOP to stoop? If this is correct then I have seen my first at Over, Cambs last weekend. We were quite a way off but saw it dive into a group of waders. It seemed to have a reddish head/neck which confused me a bit, but it was a brilliant sunny morning so I could be wrong. The bird dived headfirst into the group, just like a seabird diving into the water. Amazing.

[Ian Hamiltan]

hi amelia
its the only bird of prey to my knowledge would stoop into a flock of waders,so you could be right.

[J Moss]

They aren't the only birds to stoop. I've seen Merlin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk all stoop, more or less as dramatically as Peregrines do. Did you see any features on your bird to rule out anything else?

Jason

[J Moss]

Originally Posted by Ian Hamiltan

hi amelia
its the only bird of prey to my knowledge would stoop into a flock of waders,so you could be right.

Good point Ian. I've never seen any of the birds I've listed diving into a flock of waders. Cant imagine any of them doing it either.

[amelia1730]

Jason. it all happened so quickly it was difficult for me. I am a relatively new birder of 3 / 4 years or so. As I said before the only thing I noticed was a reddish colouration around the head/neck area highlighted by the sun.......... I hope the behaviour would be the clincher!

[marklhawkes]

I have seen Merlins diving/stooping at Dunlins before, and I'm sure Sparrowhawks will too. Peregrine is a possibility at Over Fen, but some more details about size and plumage would be helpful

[aikidoka]

Reddish neck could mean an escaped Lanner or Lanner hybrid?

[amelia1730]

Having picked my husband's brains on what he saw................
We think the bird was smaller than a Marsh Harrier. Quite a long tail and wings appeared pointed when folded back, which is why I was reminded of a sea bird diving I guess. Wings and tail ended at about the same point.
The reddish brown colouration might be a red herring (pardon the pun!) because, as I said before, it was an extremely bright sunny morning.

[KnockerNorton]

Originally Posted by aikidoka

Reddish neck could mean an escaped Lanner or Lanner hybrid?

That is a distinct possibility, especially with the reddishness noted. There's a Saker or two hanging around Cambs too, I think. But Peregrine is also likely, as they occur regularly. But in light of the reddishness you saw, and the fact that Sparrowhawks and other raptors will also stoop, then I don't think you can call this one either way I'm afraid.

[Gambia14]

Hi Amelia,

I observed 2 Peregines at Fen Drayton over the weekend. Not too far from Over as the Falcon flies.

[amelia1730]

Thanks guys.

This is the part I find most frustrating about birding......................