Bird of Prey ID

alisonclair · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 12:16 PM

Hi
We saw this bird earlier while watching the courting rituals of the Red Kites over our garden. It was pretty high up and soaring around. Can anyone tell us what it is? We thought sparrowhawk, but I only ever usually see them swopp past me at 100mph in the garden, have never seen one gliding like this.

Many thanks

Alison

agrumpycow · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 01:09 PM

A kestrel? ( a complete guess & I'm probably wrong so don't take my word for it

)

Fieldfare95 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 01:12 PM

Definitely a sparrowhawk, I can tell by the splayed wings and under pattern.
On warm days they rise on the thermals too

RoyW · #4 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 04:43 PM

Yes definitely a Sparrowhawk. Most birds of prey will use thermals, especially during the breeding season when you often see pairs up together over their territories. It means they can show the patch is occupied (and presumably they take a peek at what their neighboors are up to while they are up there!).

Roy.