Is this a Juvenile Buzzard? (1 Viewer)

[chris baker]

Hi Folks,

This one took me completely by surprise flying low along the tree tops. My initial ident said it wasn't a buzzard. The flight seemed different and it was certainly smaller than the juveniles in Scotland (this was taken in the Yorkshire Dales). It made no call and after getting over it's surprise it disappeared sharpish. It may be a late juvenile and the many different guises of Buzzard plumage is misleading me. Any thoughts gratefully received.

 

[Binocularface]

Hi Chris

This is certainly a Common Buzzard. Though I would suggest it is an adult rather than a juvenile.
Superb pictures by the way!

Regards
Tristan

 

[Steve Lister]

Hi Folks,

This one took me completely by surprise flying low along the tree tops. My initial ident said it wasn't a buzzard. The flight seemed different and it was certainly smaller than the juveniles in Scotland (this was taken in the Yorkshire Dales). It made no call and after getting over it's surprise it disappeared sharpish. It may be a late juvenile and the many different guises of Buzzard plumage is misleading me. Any thoughts gratefully received.

Yes, adult Buzzard.
Steve

 

[Tom Moodie]

Agree with both comments, Common Buzzard and nice photos.
Cheers
Tom

 

[Ian_C]

Yes, I agree, they are both super pictures, well done.

Ian

 

[IanF]

Very nice indeed.

 

[Taryn]

Fabulous pics, I have put the first one as my desktop wallpaper! o

 

[chris baker]

Thanks for the ID's folks, will have to get my glasses checked. I've compared the thumbnails with photos I've taken in Scotland and it's amazing the variation in plumage. One of thumbnails now a desktop - amazing what technology can do and thanks for the compliments.

Cheers

Chris B.

 

[Brian Stone]

As no one else has mentioned it specifically, it is the well-defined black trailing edge to the wings that sticks out as the best adult feature. Nice pics.

 

[oceans]

WOW!! Great pics, I tried to track a raptor up on Kinder Scout and all my pics sure didnt turn out like these!
Jealous!!