Bird of Prey? Derbyshire, UK (1 Viewer)

[ChrisLuv]

Hi,

I saw this at Wyver Lane NR yesterday. Didn't have my scope with me and by the time I rushed back to get it the bird had gone.

I know its a very bad photo but I wondered if anyone had any ideas what it might be?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[DaveN]

Could be a Sparrowhawk or Buzzard, I'm not sure. Where abouts was it, Chris, by the top pool or main pool?

 

[ChrisLuv]

Hi Dave,

It was on the island in the pool overlooked by the hide. Was my first visit - so I'm not that familiar with it.

Chris

 

[ChrisLuv]

Dave - I think you're right about Sparrowhawk. Just checked size comparison with other birds (don't know why I didn't before) and its slightly smaller than a mallard. See attached.

Chris

 

[Firecrest5]

male goshawk?

 

[DaveN]

In all the years I've been going down there I've never ever seen a Raptor on the island. I presume it caught something on there?

Looking at the second picture and I can see Sparrowhawk.

 

[Jonny721]

Look at the size compared to the Mallard and Little Grebe, Goshawk would be much larger. Definately a Sparrowhawk.

 

[mikejack82]

Agree with Sprawk!!!
But can't see a little grebe, :S

 

[ChrisLuv]

Thanks all, Sparrowhawk sounds about right.

In all the years I've been going down there I've never ever seen a Raptor on the island. I presume it caught something on there?

Looking at the second picture and I can see Sparrowhawk.

Dave - I think (from my interpretation of the photo) it was picking something apart and eating it. Plenty of Lapwing around, I'm surprised they left it in peace.

 

[nickderry]

If the lapwings weren't too bothered about it then it seems it would be eating something, as soon as a raptor is feeding, it is no longer on the lookout for food and its threat potential disappears, potential prey will recognise that and just stay calm rather than waste energy on flying.