Buzzaed ID

[snake]

I Don't Know about you guys but my computer was getting totally stuffed with all the pictures I am taking. In truth many of them are not really worth keeping so this afternoon I sat down with my ruthless head on and deleted stacks of them. In the process I came across this one, not very good so it has to go, my first thought was of a Common Buzzard but on second thought I am wondering if it might be a Rough Legged Buzzard.
What do you think?

[leifus]

looks like a rough-legged to me

[aeshna5]

I would say it's your Harty Ferry Rough-leg, assuming this was on your home turf on Sheppey.

[ChrisJB]

It does to me as well.

Regards, Chris

[GuyF]

Do you have any photos showing any more of the tail? I think that in this photo it is some very white undertail coverts showing, but I'm not too sure what I'm looking at.

However, the plumage overall looks very good for a Rough-legged Buzzard to me, an exciting find and one that I'd love to see!
Guy

[diggleken]

I think it probably is rough-legged Snake.(edit, didnt mean to call you roughlegged, snake!!!!!)
Although there are quite wide variations and some very pale commons, the distinct carpal patch I think I can see on the left under wing, plus quite light bases to the upper right wing primaries and strong white undertail point in that direction.
There is some white on the head , which might tend to be a female rather than male.
where did you see it?
Any other tail shots?
Cheers
Ken

[Hedge Witch]

Originally Posted by diggleken

I think it probably is rough-legged Snake.(edit, didnt mean to call you roughlegged, snake!!!!!)
Although there are quite wide variations and some very pale commons, the distinct carpal patch I think I can see on the left under wing, plus quite light bases to the upper right wing primaries and strong white undertail point in that direction.
There is some white on the head , which might tend to be a female rather than male.
where did you see it?
Any other tail shots?
Cheers
Ken

Some great pointers there, Ken (I was sitting here in complete puzzlement until now).

[snake]

You are quite right Neil, I took this picture on the Harty marshes, it is the only pic I have of this bird so I will hang on to this shot until I get a better one.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I would say it's your Harty Ferry Rough-leg, assuming this was on your home turf on Sheppey.

What's the Harty-ferry bit, Aesh? Is it a way of saying 'A standard Rough-legged Buzzard' or a known and affectionately-named individual?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

What's the Harty-ferry bit, Aesh? Is it a way of saying 'A standard Rough-legged Buzzard' or a known and affectionately-named individual?

Harty Ferry is a place on the Isle of Sheppey-one of the best places in southern England for raptor sightings + is home each winter to 1 or more Rough-legged Buzzards (1 present this winter), though Common Buzzards are occasionally seen as well as Marsh + Hen Harriers, occasional Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Peregrine, Hobby (in season), Kestrel + occasional records of other species + of course up to 5 species of owl in the general area.