Challenging i.d. - Bird of prey

[2dogs2000]

My friend and I watched this bird hovering backwards and forwards over reed beds. To me it looked like a buzzard but my friend reckoned it was too light weight for a buzzard. The behaviour was unusual to me. Then it flew past the bird hide we were in as I was trying to get my camera out

The pictures are appalling but given the behaviour has anyone any ideas?

[solus]

Marsh Harrier?

[Ferret]

I'll second that, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Ferret

[htcdude]

Looks good shape for Marsh Harrier, may be the photo's deception but the tail looks too long for Buzzard.

And soaring over reedbeds also sounds good for the harrier

Nige

[KentYeti]

Where was the hide please?

And whilst I am very new to birds, (February this year), I have spent a lot of time watching and photographing Marsh Harriers in Kent since then. And that does certainly look and sound like a Marsh Harrier. Especially the way the wings are held in the first shot.

They do spend a lot of time searching reeds for Marsh Frogs or Reed Buntings. Slowly flying back and forth quite low down, (quartering), looking for their victims. Not hard with the Marsh Frogs who regularly announce their presence!

Bryan

[Jonners]

Habitat, behaviour (I've watched them hover too) and photos all suggest Marsh Harrier.

[2dogs2000]

Thank you all. Sounds like it was a Marsh Harrier then. My first and I didn't even have my camera ready

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by KentYeti

Where was the hide please?


Bryan

This was at Thrapston Lakes and Titchmarsh Nature Reserve. I can't see any record of them being there.

My friend commented on the white head of the bird. Would that be a female/juvenile?

[htcdude]

Like Buzzards, the colouration is quite variable in Marsh Harriers, some will have very pale hoods, others brown.

Nige