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Bird of prey, Bulgaria (1 Viewer)

petar1

Well-known member
Hi,

What could be the bird of prey based on the silhouette?

Location -> Bulgaria, 14 May 2018

Thank you,
Petar
 

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tail is a bit short for a harrier, isn't it? maybe honey buzzard.

I find it remarkable that people comment on such shots, especially with such detailed analysis.

We've had specific ageing and species ID by a couple of people and now even the genus is in question, kind of proves my point?

A
 
To be fair Andy, folk were simply saying what their impression was, their first guess, nobody's saying its something for sure.

Your comment would be fair enough if folk had said "its a whatever" for sure :t:

Anyway FWIW, thanks to more power of suggestion from Lou, I can see this being a HB now :-O
 
Looking that way......:eek!:

Well, all is different in shape, look.

Rounded wing tips vs pointed wing
Straight trailing edge vs bulging secondaries
Shortish tail with proportioned width vs long and narrow tail
Carpal joint gently curved vs sharp
 
Well, all is different in shape, look.

Rounded wing tips vs pointed wing
Straight trailing edge vs bulging secondaries
Shortish tail with proportioned width vs long and narrow tail
Carpal joint gently curved vs sharp

These are rarely afforded such'' pointy'' wings either for the 1st image.

With such a ''short tail'' on the 2nd image...not to mention the less than pointy wings. :eek!:

''Variable'' wing geometry is the name of the game with BOP's, as you must well know Valery. :t:
 

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I think it's an Osprey. They frequently look long- and thin-tailed in regular flight. The length of the wings is quite normal too (with the characteristic 'kink' halfway).
 
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These are rarely afforded such'' pointy'' wings either for the 1st image.

With such a ''short tail'' on the 2nd image...not to mention the less than pointy wings. :eek!:

''Variable'' wing geometry is the name of the game with BOP's, as you must well know Valery. :t:

Your bird is soaring, op bird is gliding...
 
With such a ''short tail'' on the 2nd image...not to mention the less than pointy wings. :eek!:

Tail is as long as wing width at base, which is perfect for a juvenile harrier (that has typical bulging secondaries).

We are not talking about simple "impression" of feeling, but measurable characteristics.
 
Just proves my point, shots of such poor quality are a waste of time



A

It proves that, while many Birdforum members are excellent to analyse the plumage, there is a weakness in bird silhouette identification in the forum. In the field, experienced birders would agree on at least harrier sp.
 
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