Bird of Prey / Falcon in Central Spain (1 Viewer)

[madbird]

Hello, I saw this yesterday in Central Spain in an area well know for Merlin. It is the only photo I have and it is poor so I don't expect a positive ID but any thoughts and comments would be appreciated. Thx in advance.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

I'm afraid your scale is a bit off - it is a Common Buzzard 👍🏼

 

[Butty]

Judging the size of a lone bird is notoriously unreliable - but mostly works in the other direction!

 

[THE_FERN]

Yes buzzard and in this case the pole gives a good idea of its size. Merlin would appear much, much smaller than this

 

[Butty]

the pole gives a good idea of its size. Merlin would appear much, much smaller than this

...if you've got intimate knowledge of and experience with central-Spanish pylons. It's the structure of the bird, and particularly the proportions, that are the clue - not the size per se at all.

 

[THE_FERN]

...if you've got intimate knowledge of and experience with central-Spanish pylons. It's the structure of the bird, and particularly the proportions, that are the clue - not the size per se at all.

I find this to be unnecessary. I agree proportions are helpful but so is size. My response was aimed at helping the op.

(Perhaps you've come across some super-dinky Spanish pylons: my comment should make sense to everyone else, whether or not they've first hand experience of the Iberian power grid)

 

[jogresh]

I find this to be unnecessary. I agree proportions are helpful but so is size. My response was aimed at helping the op.

(Perhaps you've come across some super-dinky Spanish pylons: my comment should make sense to everyone else, whether or not they've first hand experience of the Iberian power grid)

Fair point. The comparative size of the bird and pylon do rule out Merlin, as the pylon would have to be way way smaller any pylon I've seen anywhere!

 

[Butty]

Demonstrably, it fooled someone! - who was even there in person ...which I think rests my case 😉

 

[THE_FERN]

Demonstrably, it fooled someone! - who was even there in person ...which I think rests my case 😉

actually #7 makes my point: proper consideration of size would have eliminated merlin but wasn't considered. So size is valuable; your comment was unhelpful.

 

[Butty]

proper consideration of size would have eliminated merlin but wasn't considered

You see inside the observer's head. Clever - and presumptuous - and 'unhelpful'.

 

[jogresh]

I think you're missing the point Butty! 🤔🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️😀🦢🦆