Bird of prey ID please

Raine3 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 12:14 PM

I was hoping this could be a Hen harrier, if not does anyone know what it is? it was about the same size as a Buzzard but lacked the brown/cream markings under the wings. Having said that, I have seen it when the Buzzards are out at the same time.

Spotted in rural Northamptonshire if that helps.

Cheers Raine

faz · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 12:47 PM

looks like a female spar to me

Raine3 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 12:55 PM

Never hear of them ! lol ... I will google it!

faz · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 12:56 PM

sorry a female sparrow hawk but looking again

still going to female spar

Raine3 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 01:00 PM

I have only ever seen a male in the garden, I know the females are a lot bigger... but never seen her... well maybe I have now.. lol

Jason Claxton · #6 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 01:01 PM

Hi Raine3
I agree with faz.
I'm going for a female Sparrowhawk as well,it is a dark looking bird,I'm wandering whether it is a Juvenile.

Cheers Jason

Raine3 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 01:49 PM

Thanks very muchly ... I must learn to recognise these birds as I have just taken on two local Tetrads for the BTO!!!! God help them ... I must remember to take my camera so I can ask you guys ... lol

faz · #8 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 01:51 PM

ant time and welcome to WAB

Picidae · #9 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

Hi Raine3
I agree with faz.
I'm going for a female Sparrowhawk as well,it is a dark looking bird,I'm wandering whether it is a Juvenile.

Cheers Jason

It's too early for a juvenile to be flying around on it's own away from the nest Jason - they're only just fledging now and stay very close to the nest/dependent on parents for several weeks.