Harrier SW France 28/09 (1 Viewer)

[rosbifs]

Ok so I had this as female Hen

Which primary is moulting? P9? Are there enough?

What am I missing? The dark edge of the secondaries seems to disappear when it reaches the primaries - wouldn't female Hen have a consistent black line - trailing edge?

I hate Harriers, well actually I don't I love them but I'm clearly rubbish at making my mind up when I see one.....

 

[rosbifs]

Does this encourage anyone? Am I right with my primary counting?

 

[rosbifs]

And if I'm wrong about P9 moulting....

 

[rosbifs]

No one

 

[tconzemi]

Download Hen Harrier aging and sexing here ZEISS Edition on Field Ornithology
Here just one example of many pictures in this excellent paper.

 

[rosbifs]

Download Hen Harrier aging and sexing here ZEISS Edition on Field Ornithology
Here just one example of many pictures in this excellent paper.

Downloaded and off I go to read...

I'm puzzled by the primaries though - I count 10 but I'm only seeing four fingers - where have I gone wrong?

 

[Tib78]

Downloaded and off I go to read...

I'm puzzled by the primaries though - I count 10 but I'm only seeing four fingers - where have I gone wrong?

There are currently 9 primaries visible: P1 —> P9 . P10 is missing. P8 almost grown. P9 just starting to grow.

A light trailing edge to the inner hand is normal for adult female Hen harrier, which this bird is ☺️.

 

[rosbifs]

Brilliant thank you...