Welbeck Raptor Viewpoint, Possible Honey Buzzard and Goshawk? (1 Viewer)

[Alexjh1]

Finally got round to heading to Welbeck Raptor Viewpoint today and after watching lots of common buzzards for the majority of the trip, had two very interesting birds turn up in the last hour before I had to leave.

1) This bird circled in at quite a distance, but was very slight feeling compared to all the buzzards I'd been watching, and seemed to have the "flat" glide that's diagnostic for honey buzzard?

2) Apologies for not much to work with here - a bit of a surprise, this very powerful feeling bird burst out of the avenue to the side, flew down it and then swooped over; very hawk feel and behaviour, and seemed very bulky compared to an earlier sparrowhawk? Any chance it's a gos from these poor photos?

 

[Rotherbirder]

Realistically, I don't think you can do anything with either of these, though FWIW my gut feeling doesn't scream Honey Buzzard or Goshawk.

RB

 

[Nutcracker]

My gut feelings are Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk - but realistically, they're best logged as UFOs.

 

[Sangahyando]

The second one kind of looks like a Kestrel.

 

[Andy Adcock]

The second one kind of looks like a Kestrel.

My thought.

 

[THE_FERN]

My gut feelings are Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk - but realistically, they're best logged as UFOs.

Agree, (best logged as...) but I think I see a white rump on first: ring-tail hen harrier?

 

[Barred Wobbler]

Agree, (best logged as...) but I think I see a white rump on first: ring-tail hen harrier?

A long time ago now, getting on for 20 years, but I stood at that same watchpoint when a Harris Hawk came up and surprised me.

 

[PYRTLE]

Images are just not good enough, can't even put down to family.......falcon, harrier or buzzard. As RB said.

 

[Rotherbirder]

On a large monitor, the first now looks more like a Common Buzzard to me.

RB

 

[Alexjh1]

Thanks for all the help; looking back through some of the other photos I'd missed a front on one which looks to have wingbars that suggest marsh harrier might be a solid suggestion, but agreed, not enough to clinch anything.

Back to the drawing board for these 2 species again!