Some days ago (5th of August 2020) while at an elevation of 1900 m (6200 ft) myself I noticed three raptors seemingly flying in formation. They headed between / over the mountains in more or less a straight line, looking as if they were headed towards a common destination. Although I could follow them for a good 10 seconds, they were far away and far up (± 2300 m / 7500 ft).
Location was a mountainous alpine area in the French Alps (Queyras, Hautes-Alps). Peaks 3000 m and up (10.000 ft); valley floors around 1600 m (5200 ft).
Included are shots of one of the birds (i.e. the same individual).
Another one of the three birds I did ID as a Black Kite: End of tail sligthty forked when flying and also slightly forked / curved inwards when spread out.
So I initially assumed all three to be Black Kites. But as this (photographed) bird's tail clearly curves outwards I started to doubt. Also its bill seems quite large for Black Kite.
Location was a mountainous alpine area in the French Alps (Queyras, Hautes-Alps). Peaks 3000 m and up (10.000 ft); valley floors around 1600 m (5200 ft).
Included are shots of one of the birds (i.e. the same individual).
Another one of the three birds I did ID as a Black Kite: End of tail sligthty forked when flying and also slightly forked / curved inwards when spread out.
So I initially assumed all three to be Black Kites. But as this (photographed) bird's tail clearly curves outwards I started to doubt. Also its bill seems quite large for Black Kite.
