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Raptor, today, near the Clyde, Scotland (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter vilbs
- Start date
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Not sure it’s 100% ideable - I get a Hen Harrier feel about it though.
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Realistically speaking, it is not likely to be Pallid or Montagu’s in the middle of January and I don’t see a rufous/brownish belly (Marsh) (also less likely for Scotland!) which is why I suggested Hen.
It looks as if it’s carrying prey on a closer look ...
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Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Where you near Baron’s Haugh by any chance?
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
bump - I guess this is still not settled as I accept there is a slight room for error here so perhaps some of the experts on BF will confirm my ID - of course if it’s still open to debate, I am sure more people will comment.
Ok, here are my thoughts.
What can we see:
my guess is that the underwing is just a whole artefact and that any large raptor with unfeathered tarsi is possible, my best guess would be Common Buzzard (looking large in the fog)
What can we see:
- unfeathered long tarsi
- darkish trousers (or in the shadow)
- all grey underwing with dark line in front and at rear (or artefacts and barred)
- seemingly dark upperparts (or artefact)
- seemingly long narrow wings (might just be the angle)
my guess is that the underwing is just a whole artefact and that any large raptor with unfeathered tarsi is possible, my best guess would be Common Buzzard (looking large in the fog)
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Thanks Tom - interesting how an image can present different impressions though - are our monitors so different in terms of colour/definition. (I am on a mobile but it’s generally a good interpretation). I suppose I should try and justify my original feelings:
It suppose it could be a Buzzard, a very pale one perhaps with minimal markings on the underwing - I have enough doubt about Hen Harrier to consider that! 🙂
- I see a long slim wing with a noticeably narrow hand
- All grey underparts with no distinctive markings
- Partially feathered tarsi, extended and carrying prey item (like here https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2019/09/bird-week-hen-harrier - I think the pale feathers on one tarsus are lost against the grey background, the other in shadow
- Possibly a dark trailing edge to the underwing https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2019/09/bird-week-hen-harrier
- A darker grey head contrasting with paler chest/belly
It suppose it could be a Buzzard, a very pale one perhaps with minimal markings on the underwing - I have enough doubt about Hen Harrier to consider that! 🙂
...Or not... Un-idable with certainty unless there's other info
Larry Sweetland
Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'
Is this her only image of it? Another one might make it appear different
vilbs
Well-known member
No - it was Langbank (near Port Glasgow).
vilbs
Well-known member
Sorry - it is the only pic. I didn't think it would be a definite ID but the feedback you have all provided has been fascinating. I will leave them with the impression that it's a Hen Harrier - they were delighted with the news - and it has spurred them on to do some more watching and observing which can only be a great thing
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Lol there’s no harm in that, whatever inspires more passion - ignorance can be bliss! 😂Sorry - it is the only pic. I didn't think it would be a definite ID but the feedback you have all provided has been fascinating. I will leave them with the impression that it's a Hen Harrier - they were delighted with the news - and it has spurred them on to do some more watching and observing which can only be a great thing
