Sunday, April 24, 2011

Ospreys on the move

Two ospreys came through the area this evening seen from Soil Hill. Full report on West Yorkshire Birding.
Also 8 sp.wader at Fly Flatts a.m.
BS

5 comments:

David Sutcliffe said...

Well done Bri - late comers till on the move.

heavy birder said...

Are you sure this bird isnt a MARSH HARRIER ?

Steve Cummings said...

Hmnmmm...I've filmed "Red Kites" that on closer inspection have turned out to be Buzzards and "Sparrowhawks" that have turned out to be Goshawks.
Distant backlit birds in flight are always a problem with the lighting conditions that we tend to experience in this country. Many a time I have had black appear as white when light is reflected off parts of a birds plumage. In sunnier climes the ground reflects light back and illuminates the undersides of the subject making identification a lot easier.
My first impression of this shot was Osprey, but I think Nick's suggestion is closer to the mark.
The short first primary is just wrong for Osprey but spot on for Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle and a few other species. The dark wing tips and the rest of the wing shading suggest Marsh Harrier rather than any of the other Harriers or Booted Eagle. I'm with Nick on this and would stick my neck out and go for 2nd summer male Marsh Harrier. c.f. centre illustration in Collins guide if you have a copy handy. Cracking record! I doubt many folk have had Marsh Harrier in Calderdale........Sorry I can't turn it into a Booted Eagle though.

Brian Sumner . said...

HC bog. is going for Honey Buzzard and says birds are being seen moving up the country

heavy birder said...

email from Mick Cunningham says its not a Honey Buzzard but Marsh Harrier is a good chance although its probably unidentifiable.