Buzzard... or something else?

[wyevilla]

I was working in northern Germany last week and whilst driving from Hamburg to Hanover I saw what I first thought was a buzzard.

However, stealing a sideways glance, I noted a distinct white rump. Can anyone confirm if this could have been a Harrier of some sort.

The countryside is flat farmland with tracts of mixed forest and relict heath.

Thanks

Neil

[aeshna5]

It does sound as though it was probably a Hen or Montagu's Harrier, but you won't make a positive ID on that sighting!

[Tracey.A]

It could have been a Hen harrier. Habitat sounds good! Difficult to say though in all honesty.

Tracey

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

It does sound as though it was probably a Hen or Montagu's Harrier, but you won't make a positive ID on that sighting!

This is very true, but at this time of year the habitat you describe sounds better for Montagu's. Certainly if I saw it over here in July anyway.

Regards, Chris

[Tursiops2]

About 20 years ago, I had the privilege of visiting pre-reunification East Germany a couple of times (not birding trips, more "cultural"). Driving across West Germany, we were struck by the numbers of birds of prey around, compared to Britain, but they were insignificant compared with what awaited us across the border.

Everywhere we went, between the border and Leipzig, the skies were full of medium-sized BOPs flying alongside the autobahns - Red Kites, Black Kites and Buzzards were easy to identify, but there were also harriers, which were much harder. Trouble was, as soon as you got out of the van to ID them, they disappeared but going by the distribution maps in the books, I'm pretty sure they were Montagu's.
T2

[wyevilla]

Thanks Chaps (& Chapesses)

I didn't expect a positive id on my brief description but your tentative suggestions back up my gut feeling. If I go again I'll try to be more observant - honest!

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Neil

[RobinP]

White rump suggests Harris Hawk to me.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by RobinP

White rump suggests Harris Hawk to me.

Not impossible as these southern US raptors do escape from time to time, but I would say it's more likely to be a native breeding bird, such as a harrier.