uk raptor (1 Viewer)

[captaincarot]

hi chaps 2 pics of the same bird here.

think it was probably kestrel, but not totally sure, no hovering, soaring flight long way off. so just want confirmation or otherwise please

 

[Jonny721]

Hard to be sure from the pictures but I think it might be a Sparrowhawk??

 

[jamesevry]

Yes, looks like a sparrowhawk

 

[RecoveringScot]

It looks like a Kestrel to me. I don't know when they moult offhand, but in terms of body structure and wing-shape, this is either a moulting adult (my guess) or a young bird not long out of the nest. The wings are relatively too narrow for Sparrowhawk and the head too large.

Cheers

 

[ChrisKten]

This may be because I've been watching and photographing a Kestrel this morning, but my first impression was Kestrel. But that's mostly based on the first picture, the second gives me doubt.

So, not really much help.

 

[Jonny721]

The very rounded wings in the second picture was what made me think of Sparrowhawk.

 

[captaincarot]

thanks for all the comments so far.

 

[jamesevry]

Hi, just to add reason to why I think it's a sparrowhawk - the wings seem simply too broad and the 'hand' too rounded for kestrel, although it does have a kestrel-like appearance in the 1st pic...

 

[StuartReeves]

Kestrel.

 

[Mole1]

The only thing I am sure about is that it isn't a Kestrel - silhouette is just wrong for this species and the wings aren't pointy enough.

The problem I have is that it doesn't look quite right for Sparrowhawk, with what appears to be a "barrel chest" in the second picture and is the tail slightly rounded? I did also briefly think Harrier as there is almost a hint of a white rump in one photo. It is difficult to tell from these photos, but the safest option is "probably a Sparrowhawk". Anyone have any other comments?

 

[dantheman]

Thumbnails suggest Bee-eater ...

(ok, not very helpful I know ... )

 

[nickderry]

sparrowhawk for me - those rounded wings are good.

 

[CAU]

To me it's a clear Kestrel. The hand is way too long and pointed for Sparrowhawk, and in the first photo you can even see the brick-red upperwing coverts.
http://www.tarsiger.com/gallery/index.php?pic_id=Jniemi1214381765&lang=eng

 

[Kentbloke]

another for Kestrel here

 

[Bananafishbones]

for what its worth CC

Pic one Kestrel......
Pic Two Sparrowhawk....

Lol

Seriously though when you have a debate such as this go with your first instincts.... Kestrel :t:

 

[FrankL]

Looks like a Kestrel.

Frank Lardino

 

[ben_lewis]

The 2nd pic looks like a Sparrohawk to me. Rounded wings, longish tail and the head shape looks completely wrong for a Kes to me. The difference between the 2 pics is quite interesting, as bannafishbones says the 1st looks more kestrel like, the 2nd a Sprawk, however I'm sure they are the same bird, its just a question of jiz.

 

[Jack Dawe]

Kestrels can look quite deceptively round-winged when soaring and this is clearly one. I see a lot of Sparrowhawks (they nest very near our house) and this obviously isn't one. Tail too long, wings a tad too long and not nearly rounded enough. Colour in the first pic is a clear Kestrel colour too.

 

[nickderry]

coming back with sober eyes, I can't see anything wrong with it for being a kestrel.

 

[marklhawkes]

In picture one, the upperwings are clearly orange-brown toned.. clearly a Kestrel. I can't even begin to understand where Sparrowhawk comes into it...