Buzzard sp ID (1 Viewer)

[Locostella]

Good afternoon everyone,

Whilst at Cley last weekend I noticed a Buzzard sp quickly losing altitude from the sea moving over north scrape, although the weather conditions limited me to only a silhouette. The first thing that struck me was the length of the birds tail and how rounded it seemed. Honey Buzzard is bird I am only familiar with in literature and not in the field, so I didn't want to bring it heavily in to consideration. Also I am aware that Common Buzzard can produce this compact stance and with the bird lowering so fast off the sea I presumed that this 'shape' was due to this fact. The way the bird had its wings folded creating a angle from the carpel joint to the body may be exaggerating the amount of 'neck' this bird is showing, although again I am very unsure. I was wondering if anyone could shine any light on the bird for me.I should have really brought this to attention sooner but I have been in the field all week and only just had a chance to go through the shots Leila took of the bird.

Regards Kieran

 

[tconzemi]

juvenile dark Honey imho
Tom

 

[Locostella]

juvenile dark Honey imho
Tom

What features would bring you to this?

Regards Kieran

 

[CAU]

It looks uniformly dark even in a lightened picture. My bet would be Marsh Harrier.

 

[tconzemi]

Tail shape with rounded corners, tail length, if you lighten it up barely visible baring suggest HB, large yellow cere exclude adult but otherwise shape of bird could be CB or even Marsh Harrier.
Tom

 

[phil baber]

I agree on Marsh Harrier.

 

[Locostella]

Thanks for all the useful comments guys, it is most appreciated.

 

[tconzemi]

It looks uniformly dark even in a lightened picture. My bet would be Marsh Harrier.

Hi again
tried a PS too, not really convincing either way :C
Tom

 

[Manne]

Looks very much like a juv. Marsh Harrier

 

[Biancone]

I wondered about a Honey, but thought tail perhaps not quite long enough (and no hint of convex sides), wings a bit too long, and bit too wide across base of neck. But all these features can look atypical in a single image, and could in part represent juvenile conditions. I'm leaning toward Marsh Harrier also (overall shape fits, and those yellow feet against dark plumage quite typical!). But it's another tricky one (or is it just me?).