Hawk? Raptor? Aintree Liverpool UK today (1 Viewer)

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Jul 19, 2017

• #1

Just popped out for a quick bike ride today and saw this.

Sorry abut the photo - compact zoom but with little notice as the bird whizzed past so quickly so only the one picture.

It was a light browny colour and much larger than a Kestrel and didn't 'hover' like a Kestrel, instead it swooped up and down in the wind (quite graceful) over the fields.

I only caught this snap because I stopped as I heard another bird's alarm call and thought something must be about.

Any help appreciated - and I'm sure you guys will have an answer even though you can't see the blimmin' bird's face!

Thanks

 

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DaveN

Derwent Valley Birder

• Jul 19, 2017

• #2

Looks like a Kestrel.

 

B

birdmeister

Well-known member

• Jul 19, 2017

• #3

Possibly a young Peregrine Falcon? Certainly seems to have a falcon shape.

 

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Jul 19, 2017

• #4

Definitely much larger than a Kestrel and didn't hover when searching for food.

It could be a falcon, but it was a large bird, but not as large as a Buzzard or anything like that.

Very graceful 'swooping' action.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

dogfish

Well-known member

• Jul 19, 2017

• #5

Kestrel, size can be v. difficult to judge in the field

 

S

Sangahyando

Well-known member

• Jul 19, 2017

• #6

Kestrel - the two-toned wings are typical. Flight style can vary depending on the wind, and sizes can be hard to judge without direct comparison.

 

rockfowl

Mark Andrews

• Jul 19, 2017

• #7

Definitely a Kestrel

 

S

stevethehydra

Well-known member

• Jul 19, 2017

• #8

I can't see anything but a Kestrel with that wing shape and colouration.

 

RichieTwitchy

YNWA

• Jul 19, 2017

• #9

Interesting - thanks guys I'll bow to your better knowledge.

I guess you were right then originally Dave

I had a look on google and it definitely wasn't as 'speckled' as your average Kestrel, but found this photo on this site http://www.markhancoxbirdphotography.co.uk/pages/galleries/birds-of-prey.php?gall_id=38 and it looked a lot like the photo listed 8420 kestrel male 2 2011