London Birder said:4.well you see the feet as big (and rightly acknowledge the subjectivity), I don't personally ... have a look at the SE Icelandic bird in Surfbirds ... another point here whilst looking at that bird, note the small bill, I'd say that's down to that bird being a very recent fledgling ... feet on young falcons are disproportionately big right from hatching (often a good way to sex Peregrines after a short while with reasonable confidence), whereas they 'grow into' their bills (and they grow fast) ... saying that though I've never see the it as being particularly large billed.
As someone said earlier, this falcon is do-able on gizz alone without even having to attempt a breakdown of features ...
M Cowming said:Hi guys,
Been an interesting couple of threads on falcons! Just proves how judging one bird from one photo can be soooooo troublesome. I can honestly see where both camps are coming from and am not tempted to fully call it either Hobby or Peregrine.
However, if push came to shove, a couple of points;
1) Habitat....been proven that Peregrines land in trees! Still, suits Hobby more.
2) Gizz/Jizz ( which spelling is correct?) Contrary to what one contributor says, can be an important part of bird id. Some birders are just better at it than others! (no offence intended)
3) Most important concerning this particular bird! The cheek patch! To me, it's too broad and reaches up the back of the neck/head rather than being "rounded", typical of Perry!
For these reasons, for me it's a Hobby! I accept this bird has been rung as a Peregrine...I think? just breezed through the posts, but, as i say, if push came to shove...Hobby!
I will hold my hands up however....hard to prove ringing measurements wrong!! Isn't it??
Happy debating boys......it's great!!
Kind regards,
jonny h said:i give up. this is going the same way as the last thread with far too much analysis and trying to judge extent of slightly blurred streaking etc etc. take a step back and look at the bird - its a hobby!
Rob Smallwood said:Isn't it time for the "two bird" theory to raise its head?!
Alan Seaton said:At first glance, several hours ago, I thought it looked like a hobby.
After a closer look, however.....
It was still a hobby.
I held my peace and didn't get involved and now it's on page three! But does it matter what it is? It's a picture, for crying out loud. Pictures can tell lies. I think it's a hobby, others don't.
It makes no difference. The bird has flown off and in a hundred years we (and the falcon) will all be dead.