Could someone help ID this bird please?

[Miller]

Howdy folks,

Been out this morning with a friend looking for Fulmar nests as part of her university project. We live in an area abundant with wildlife and there have been reports of a sea eagle locally lately. Anyway, on the way to the spot for the Fulmars we saw a really large bird of prey up the cliff. It was a considerable distance off but still appeared to be huge. I was carrying my SLR and an 800mm EFL lens but didn't have time to set up a tripod or set the camera up correctly either (IS0 800 ) so that combined with the then-overcast weather made it a bit hard to get a good picture.

Anyway, here's a crop from the photo:


It was in fairly close proximity (about 1-200 metres I guess) from this, which I think is a Peregrine; it (the larger bird) didn't seem fazed by the falcon.


I took a photo of where we were (after the sun had come out!) - both birds were up on the left, so right next to the sea.


We're located on the Black Isle, in the Highlands just north of Inverness. If anyone could shed some light on what the larger bird is I'd really appreciate it. It would be nice to think it was the sea eagle but I don't want to get my hopes up

Thanks,

David

[andy68]

First one is a Common Buzzard, and the second is a Peregrine.

Andy

[Miller]

Thanks for the quick reply. Having looked at some bird-books I did wonder if it was a buzzard, the colour and pattern of it's chest in the photo looks very similar to the markings in the books.

Thanks anyhoo, will have to go back and look for the eagle !

[Ambriel]

We've a srtrong population of Buzzards over our way too. Some people dismiss them as too common but I still like to see them.

Keep looking for the Eagle. When you do spot one you'll know it because they're much bigger than a Buzzard.

[Miller]

I know what you mean, it's a shame buzzards are often looked down on a bit - they're beautiful birds. This one was really rather big which is why (and the fact a sea eagle has been seen nearby lately) we wondered if it might be something else.

Will hopefully get a better view of it next time we go. As for the Peregrine, do you know if they nest near water? It's just we saw the little chap chasing off gulls from part of the cliff quite frenetically. It would be wonderful if he was nesting there, the cliff is south facing so the light is nice - that and a long lens could yield some good pictures of a young falcon

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by Miller

I know what you mean, it's a shame buzzards are often looked down on a bit - they're beautiful birds. This one was really rather big which is why (and the fact a sea eagle has been seen nearby lately) we wondered if it might be something else.

Will hopefully get a better view of it next time we go. As for the Peregrine, do you know if they nest near water? It's just we saw the little chap chasing off gulls from part of the cliff quite frenetically. It would be wonderful if he was nesting there, the cliff is south facing so the light is nice - that and a long lens could yield some good pictures of a young falcon

Sea cliffs are a favourite Peregrine nest site so it is probably breeding close by. Perhaps after they were persecuted so badly the cliffs were the only safe place for them so that might be why they are often on cliffs, although nowadays fortunately they are starting to spread back inland again. Also, with all the breeding seabirds the cliffs give them great and easy feeding opportunities!
Guy

[Miller]

Ah right! I suppose that makes sense, it's a very secluded area. On what you said about them feeding; do you know what size prey they tend to go for? It's just he might have been chasing the other birds with the intention of eating them as opposed to merely scaring them off. Saying that, the smallest bird nearby was probably an oyster catcher, which I imagine would be a bit big for a Peregrine...?

I thoroughly enjoy photographing wildlife - I should really learn more about their habits and behaviour!

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by Miller

Ah right! I suppose that makes sense, it's a very secluded area. On what you said about them feeding; do you know what size prey they tend to go for? It's just he might have been chasing the other birds with the intention of eating them as opposed to merely scaring them off. Saying that, the smallest bird nearby was probably an oyster catcher, which I imagine would be a bit big for a Peregrine...?

I thoroughly enjoy photographing wildlife - I should really learn more about their habits and behaviour!

Peregrines are such powerful birds that they can take really big prey, I don't think an Oystercatcher would be much of a problem, especially for the bigger females. I'm pretty sure I've heard of them taking Curlews, which are bigger than Oystercatchers!
However, if there are any feral doves or Jackdaws on the cliffs they'd probably be the more popular and easy option for a meal. Fulmars will be on the menu as well though!
Guy