Large raptor - Lintzford Lane (1 Viewer)

[Mr Gon]

Driving home just now (5pm) I came through Hamsterley and a Red Kite flew over my car. This is relevant as it demonstrates that I know the size and jizz of a Kite. As I neared Lintzford Lane to drive up it, I could see another large raptor in the field at the bottom of the lane. It appeared to be Kite sized, but as I drove nearer, it was sat up hovering a bit like a Kestrel and certainly didn't have a forked tail. I've heard that Buzzards can hover at times and also some owl species. To my mind the raptor was as big as a Kite, hence too big to be a Buzzard? Any thoughts?

FYI I drive this road every day and have not seen a bird like this before.

Thanks in advance, Rob.

 

[keith]

Rough-legged Buzzard springs to mind after just seeing one in County Durham.

 

[Mr Gon]

Thanks Keith, I'll never be sure!

 

[davercox]

Kestrels, of course, hover with almost motionless wings. Buzzards don't, there is a definite flap going on - and IIRC that applies especially to Rough-legs. Go on, shoot me down.

 

[Hotspur]

Depends on if there is a wind - both Buzzards and Rough-legs hover without flapping in a suitable breeze but on a still day hover with more vigourous flapping.

 

[woodhornbirder]

no buzzards hover apparently......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8K2rSlDaKU

/shrug

 

[martin kitching]

OK, if you insist

Common Buzzard regularly hover with almost motionless wings. In my limited experience of RLB, they are much more flappy (for want of a better word).

cheers
martin

Go on, shoot me down.