Buzzard sp. (Norfolk, UK) (1 Viewer)

MarcellC

Well-known member

• Aug 31, 2010

• #1

Hi all

I was out walking on Syderstone Common this morning and had this couple of birds flying over, circling once before carrying on in a northern direction.

After comparing the photos (albeit distant ones) and the photos from Rob Hume's fieldguide (as well as the BWPi dvd later at home), I ID'd these as Rough-legged Buzzards. I was told this was highly unlikely for this time of the year and because I didn't get a look at the upperside of the tail, ID of RL Buzz could probably not be confirmed. I could of course be totally out of the ballpark with this ID.

Anybody willing to make a call based on these photos? (I've only cropped and sharpened the photos - no other editing whatsoever) The last photo was taken of the one bird as they were 'tracking' away northwards.

Cheers
Marcell

 

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StuartReeves

Local rarity

• Aug 31, 2010

• #2

looks like a pretty straightforward Common Buzzard to me.

 

chris butterworth

aka The Person Named Above

• Aug 31, 2010

• #3

Common Buzzard I'm afraid. If it was a Roughleg it would appear both larger and more slender, particularly in the wings. Roughlegs are only a winter visitor to Britain I'm afraid.
Chris

 

MarcellC

Well-known member

• Aug 31, 2010

• #4

Thanks Stuart and Chris. It's very pale compared to other Common Buzzards I've seen in the UK - would this just be a pale morph?

 

StuartReeves

Local rarity

• Aug 31, 2010

• #5

Common Buzzards can be very variable in plumage. To my eye that one doesn't look particualrly pale.

 

MarcellC

Well-known member

• Aug 31, 2010

• #6

Thanks Stuart - didn't appreciate how variable, I think.

 

Sy V

Well-known member

• Aug 31, 2010

• #7

Marcell

If you scroll down to post number 2396 in this thread you'll see a slightly paler bird that I saw at Upton Warren last Friday. Buzzard plumage in notoriously variable.

 

StuartReeves

Local rarity

• Aug 31, 2010

• #8

Here are a few examples of what I would call pale Common Buzzards:

http://www.netfugl.dk/pictures.php?id=showpicture&picture_id=31765
http://www.netfugl.dk/pictures.php?id=showpicture&picture_id=29472
http://www.netfugl.dk/pictures.php?id=showpicture&picture_id=25664

 

mäkpe

Well-known member

• Aug 31, 2010

• #9

Pale breast-band is good feature for CB.

 

MarcellC

Well-known member

• Sep 3, 2010

• #10

Thanks Sy - very interesting bird on your pics there, would've had me wondering a bit.

Stuart: gosh, indeed pale - now I understand why mine aren't considered particularly pale.

Thanks Makpe - looking through all the photos the breast band does seem to be consistent (at least in that it's there in some form or other)