Possible Rough-legged Buzzard - Dorset 27.10.17 (1 Viewer)

[Andy1979]

Hi, I had a very pale, chunky Buzzard in off the sea when I was walking along the cliff top towards St Alhelm's Head, Dorset. The bird came in and flew up the valley towards Worth Matravers. It had a white rump (but not really exgtending to the tail), very pale head and overall pale appearance. It didn't stop, or hover, just moved in up the valley mobbed by a couple of crows. I attach my original pics which have only been cropped. Not the best camera for birds in flight...!

Cheers,

Andy M

 

[Foxy]

Certainly a stunning looking bird. I would have thought Rough-legged would show a predominantly white tail with a broad black terminal band but I've only ever seen two and Buzzards can be so variable

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

The uppertail coverts are white, not the tail ==> Common Buzzard. Juvenile.

 

[John Cantelo]

The uppertail coverts are white, not the tail ==> Common Buzzard. Juvenile.

Agreed, a Common Buzzard.

 

[Andy1979]

Thanks all.