raptor by the sea...

billybirder · #1 (**permalink**) 18-09-2011, 07:08 PM

sorry no photo..
I was walking along a path just above the shore by the oysterbeds in hayling Island when I spotted a raptor flying swiftly at sea level along the edge of the water. It was almost certainly a sparrowhawk.. but seeing it from above it was strongly striped in chestnut and black.. just an unusual view of a sparrowhawk, or might it have been something else, hobby for example??

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 18-09-2011, 08:01 PM

Could be anything, do you have a more detailed description?

htcdude · #3 (**permalink**) 18-09-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billybirder

sorry no photo..
I was walking along a path just above the shore by the oysterbeds in hayling Island when I spotted a raptor flying swiftly at sea level along the edge of the water. It was almost certainly a sparrowhawk.. but seeing it from above it was strongly striped in chestnut and black.. just an unusual view of a sparrowhawk, or might it have been something else, hobby for example??

Male Kestrel? They are chestnut brown and black

Nige

billybirder · #4 (**permalink**) 18-09-2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Could be anything, do you have a more detailed description?

No! It was all over in a few moments.. one of those "do i take my eyes off it and raise my bins or just keep looking.." moments. The flight was fast - like a sparrowhawk along a hedge, but along the waters edge instead. Not apparently following anything and only a few inches above the shingle/water. If I had to put money on I'd say it was a sparrowhawk.. but just a flicker of doubt. (Hope?

)

billybirder · #5 (**permalink**) 18-09-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htcdude

Male Kestrel? They are chestnut brown and black

Nige

Don't think so.. too stripey and the colour not right.. but an unusual view, so it is possible..

RoyW · #6 (**permalink**) 19-09-2011, 07:44 AM

Chestnut and black stripes sounds like a female or immature Kestrel to me.

billybirder · #7 (**permalink**) 19-09-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htcdude

Male Kestrel? They are chestnut brown and black

Nige

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyW

Chestnut and black stripes sounds like a female or immature Kestrel to me.

I guess that must have been it then! The combination of unusual view and setting, and low sun too, led me oop the path! Not seen one skimming the waters edge like that before.