Golden or White Tailed? No, Common Buzzard! (1 Viewer)

[GeorgeMac]

Soaring along the sea cliffs near Berriedale in Caithness earlier today. I'm going for Golden Eagle.

 

[Butty]

Common buzzard

 

[GeorgeMac]

Er, it was far too big for a buzzard.

 

[Sangahyando]

Er, it was far too big for a buzzard.

Well, the picture (at least the large one showing the ventral side) is of a buzzard. It's of course possible that you saw an additional, larger bird on site as well, but the other members here can only judge the evidence present.

 

[Butty]

Er, it was far too big for a buzzard.

Judging the size of a lone bird is notoriously unreliable. This bird is a common buzzard.

 

[GeorgeMac]

I guess you're right. Perhaps the unfamiliar countryside, the sea cliffs, the haze, and the steep slopes down to the cliff tops put my sizes all wonky Thanks Butty.

 

[Butty]

No worries - getting size wrong really can happen to anybody, regardless of knowledge, experience, etc.

 

[KC Foggin]

Does anyone want to see a lighter more visible under wing markings?

 

[PYRTLE]

Yes please, if it helps confirm the identification as a Common Buzzard.
Ta.