Are these two males?

[Chris Hammond]

I got this distant snap of what I assumed to be a pair of harriers mating, however when I loaded the pics onto my computer it appeared that bith birds are males. Am I right in thinking this? And would it be likely that one or both are last years juveniles?



BTW I realise the top bird is a male, but I'm wondering if the bottom bird has yet to develop adult colouration?

[Adam Cheeseman]

Top one is certainly a year old male. Not sure about the bottom one. There are some pale feathers on the wing which could suggest it is also a male

[snake]

Thats a cracking photo you have there Chris.
I am pretty sure they are male and female.
I am far from an expert on Harriers but your male bird is showing signs of adult plumage which I understand they get in the third year.
I believe the crown on the females tend to darken as they get older, almost to the colour of a full grown males crown.
Your birds is still nice and bright so I guess she is still fairly young.
My guess is they are both around three years old and this is their first breeding season.
These are just my thoughts, i'm sure if they are wrong somebody more knowledgeable will put you right.

[posie]

Chris
Just want to say ''What a super photo'' ......Posie

[Picidae]

The male is a first adult type (3cy) and the female is an adult (adult females often have white/buff crowns)

[Chris Hammond]

Many thanks for the help folks, it's much appreciated.

The photo would have been a lovely shot if the birds had been closer and it had been properly sharp. THey always seem to keep just that little out of range though. There's another snap here of a bird plucking reeds for nesting material. I wrongly assumed initially that he was hunting, but after watching him again I realised what he was doing.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by posie

Chris
Just want to say ''What a super photo'' ......Posie

I echo the above. Well done Chris