Algarve Raptor (2 Viewers)

[ndsutcliffe]

Saw this Eagle a couple of days ago - am assuming it's a Short Toed Snake Eagle, due to time of year. Only doubt is that it seemed to have a whitish rump (the only reason for posting the second photo!). Don't know if this is expected - maybe a juvenile, or possibly something else.

Assistance appreciated

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Ndsutcliffe,

I agree with you its a Short Toed Snake Eagle. Starring yellow eye can just be guessed (yes, whishful thinking at its best and creamy buffish and whitish hues are spot on for this species.

Surely not a juvenile with such worn flight feathers, a 2cy bird? I get a "patchwork impression" here, caused by different generation feathers???? I hope for more comments. Thanks!

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Edit: after looking at the pictures again, can an extremly pitfall picture (warm evening light and more?) of an Osprey be excluded?
Although the underparts appear strikingly pure=cold white in Ospreys in the field, even over greater distances and in bad light.

Yes: another thread came into my mind. Thanks again Tom!

 

[tconzemi]

Hello Ndsutcliffe,

I agree with you its a Short Toed Snake Eagle. Starring yellow eye can just be guessed (yes, whishful thinking at its best and creamy buffish and whitish hues are spot on for this species.

Surely not a juvenile with such worn flight feathers, a 2cy bird? I get a "patchwork impression" here, caused by different generation feathers???? I hope for more comments. Thanks!

Bleached second cal year indeed with new inner primaries

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Thanks Tom for confirming and correct ageing!

attached bird: 08.2008, Oberhilbesheim, Germany

 

[Rotherbirder]

Definitely a STE but agree with Alex, the second image does have a look of Osprey. Demonstrates how deceptive assessing a single - often poor - image can be.

RB

 

[ndsutcliffe]

Definitely a STE but agree with Alex, the second image does have a look of Osprey. Demonstrates how deceptive assessing a single - often poor - image can be.

RB

Thanks all. Repeat apologies for quality of the second photo - you should see the ones I threw away

 

[Butty]

it seemed to have a whitish rump (the only reason for posting the second photo!)

I think you're just reading the photo wrong. My take on pic 2 is that the bird is flying right, viewed from below (head far right, tail far left, left wing-tip at bottom), and the bright white patch is the underbody.

 

[ndsutcliffe]

I think you're just reading the photo wrong. My take on pic 2 is that the bird is flying right, viewed from below (head far right, tail far left, left wing-tip at bottom), and the bright white patch is the underbody.

Actually I think you're right - an optical delusion! Well spotted