Bird of prey, Burgas (Bulgaria), last weekend (1 Viewer)

[pprsk]

Unfortunately observed from big distance - apologize the low quality of the photos. Possibly dark form of Hieraaetus pennatus?

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Why not Marsh Harrier?

 

[Butty]

(Sub?) adult female marsh harrier.

 

[pprsk]

Marsh harrier was my original identification, but while inspecting the photos, I noticed an unusually large (eagl`s?) beak

 

[Bewick]

Marsh harrier was my original identification, but while inspecting the photos, I noticed an unusually large (eagl`s?) beak

I think its slightly roughed up face and also its bill being open gives that vibe- though definitely a marsh harrier.

 

[_pauls]

Interesting pics but it is the angle of the wing behind the open bill that makes it look odd. Confused the hell out of me at first but definitely a bog standard marsh harrier from the first pic and from then on you can see there is an illusion at play in the final pic. I opened the last pic first which was misleading.

 

[pprsk]

Thanks a lot. So, I am returning back to marsh harrier

 

[stevethehydra]

Definitely a Marsh Harrier on plumage and structure, but even discounting the illusion caused by the rear wingtip behind the bill in the last photo, it does look unusually long-billed for one. Individual variation I guess.