Unknown Bird of Prey

lyrical · #1 (**permalink**) 23-04-2010, 07:10 AM

Hi there!

Yesterday i was out taking landscape photos when i spotted these two birds, at one time i thought there was three. I'm not sure what they are, i keep thinking Buzzard but i'm no expert in identifying birds of prey.

These were spotted at Falkenham, Suffolk flying over the River Deben which isn't too far from Felixstowe.

Any info would be appreciated

Liam.

Synn · #2 (**permalink**) 23-04-2010, 07:33 AM

I would say the top one is maybe a Buzzard and the bottom one looks like a Male Marsh Harrier to me

Rob_D · #3 (**permalink**) 23-04-2010, 08:11 AM

Welcome to WAB!

Top one looks pale, but I'd say female Marsh Harrier. Male Marshie below - black wingtips, pale wings, darker body, no barring on the tail.

Dae · #4 (**permalink**) 23-04-2010, 09:51 AM

I too agree it's a female marsh harrier on top, and a male marsh harrier in the 2nd photo.

John B (NTS) · #5 (**permalink**) 23-04-2010, 07:57 PM

Agree the above. The proportions alone immediately look wrong for Buzzard which would look more compact and generally "curvier".

lyrical · #6 (**permalink**) 25-04-2010, 10:18 AM

Thank you very much for the replies, i've never seen a Marsh Harrier before so that has generally pleased me.

aeshna5 · #7 (**permalink**) 25-04-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyrical

Thank you very much for the replies, i've never seen a Marsh Harrier before so that has generally pleased me.

Agree with the ID. They are a species doing very well, particularly in East Anglia in suitable marshland habitat. I had fun watching a pair along the Colne at Fingrinhoe Wick yesterday.