Most welcome buzzard

I was actually taking a picture of the autumn colour, but got this as well. We think it must either be a young one or moulting as the underside is usually more white than this.

 

Terrific shot, Palustris - one in a million!

 

Wow what an amazing shop Palastrus - and the colours are terrific

 

Wonderful picture - you could wait a lifetime for a shot like that.

 

Well done a lovely pic

 

Beautiful picture Palustris - could it be a Honey Buzzard?

 

Fantastic!

 

Funny you should put this up Palustrus because i spotted two that colour over Grinshill about lunchtime yesterday -there was at least two, and that is not far from you, as the buzzard, or whatever flies. What caught my attention was the noise, it was not the usual mewing of a buzzard, but almost like a type of croak but buzzard flight and not the usual buzzard colour. Unfortunately by the time I got to the top of the cliff they had gone, it had clouded over and was threatening rain.
We need a bird expert - these were big birds.

 

This was what I saw. Unfortunaely I had to snap quick before it went behind the trees and I did not get another chance. At least it shows the tail shape, the way it holds its wings as it glides and the colour. Both birds were this fairly light brown colour.

That was a cracking photo you took Palustris. Surely there is someone who can give a definite ID from such a sharp and close up photo.

 

See
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/h/honeybuzzard/index.asp

The Honey Buzzard has a pale underside with a black edge to wing and tail feathers - like Palustris's pic.

 

Well - that is not so easy. Honey buzzards arrive in May and depart in August so that seems unlikely. Rough-legged buzzards winter in eastern Britain so perhaps one strayed to the West Midlands - it has a more mournful cry than the common buzzard. You pays your money and takes your choice. You will get an expert opinion if you post both photos to:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/

 

Will do that if I can work out how to post the picture on the site.

 

Done it, will keep you posted if there are any replies on there. Ta!

 

Sorry, you're probably right Hornbeam. Just wishful thinking.