Buzzard/hawk Identification

[RoyW]

In America the term 'Buzzard' is generally used for the species of vulture that are found there. The person who posted the comment saying you had not identified it correctly realised that it was not one of these and then seems to have re-identified it as the most similar species he could find in a North American bird guide. Your comments under the photo do not state that the bird was in Scotland, and some people seem to assume that everything they find on the internet relates to their own country (and uses the terms they know) unless it clearly states otherwise.

Similar comments were made when the Buzzard/Grey Phalarope story made national press (look at the comments at the bottom after clicking on view all);
Pictured: Twitcher waits two hours for rare bird... only to have it snatched away by a buzzard | Mail Online

[Rudhach]

Now that you mention it RoyW, that seems to be most likely what happened. I'll need to amend the description appropriately.

[The Woodman]

But your OP was quite specific as to where the sighting was, Rudhatch.

Your image shows feather definition very well. I've had a good look at images of the B-w Hawk and agree that the wing shape is of the Common buzzard.

[mistyblue17]

Great photo. Certainly looks like a buzzard.