Could it be a buzzard? much more "bulky" than other birds of prey and the mention of "White" feathers makes me think a buzzard's more likely, especially as red kites aren't seen everywhere in the UK - mostly the SE I think - at least that's where I usually see them - near the M40, but never round here (much further north).
Thanks you all for your suggestions it could well have been a Red Kite. Whilst following one of the links I noticed a bird called the Marsh Harrier - could it be this?
Yup, I love my ornithology so I'll weigh in here with an opinion. Defo not a sparrow hawk IMO, or a kestrel. Not a buzzard either I think. Flight shape, size, colour , all wrong combos for them lot.
I'd go for some kind of harrier. But most likely a kite. Theyre more common these days, really increasing their range. Lovely shot and lucky you. Quick on the draw!
Thank you for all of your comments. After posting this today I've learnt a lot about a whole range of British birds, so I've got a lot more than an identification out of this post!
As this thread is about IDing Red Kites, I'll add this here
Doors and windows open to the garden just now, I heard an unusal bird call, high in the sky - initially I thought perhaps a flock of migrating waders, but...... looking up ...... way up very very high ........... six raptors circling and calling to each other ........ watched and watched ........... listened and listened ............. and then when they'd gone I rushed in and downloaded some calls and listened ........... Yes! Six Red Kites circling high above us
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
We are right on the edge of the city - although we have woods and marshes just over the hill - I've seen red kites up in North Norfolk, and over at Nutcutlet's place on the edge of Cambridgeshire, and I've seen buzzards over arable land in North Suffolk and hobbies and marsh harriers around the Broads ........ but virtually over central Norwich!!!
Although of course I know they used to scavenge in London in the Middle Ages.
I'm thinking they may be migrants returning to Europe for the winter?
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
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Could it be a buzzard? much more "bulky" than other birds of prey and the mention of "White" feathers makes me think a buzzard's more likely, especially as red kites aren't seen everywhere in the UK - mostly the SE I think - at least that's where I usually see them - near the M40, but never round here (much further north).
Thanks you all for your suggestions it could well have been a Red Kite. Whilst following one of the links I noticed a bird called the Marsh Harrier - could it be this?
There are species records for the Marsh harrier in your area according to the NBN but generally would not be regarded as present.
With the head colour and splash of white on the wings I would go for the red kite too.
Yup, I love my ornithology so I'll weigh in here with an opinion. Defo not a sparrow hawk IMO, or a kestrel. Not a buzzard either I think. Flight shape, size, colour , all wrong combos for them lot.
I'd go for some kind of harrier. But most likely a kite. Theyre more common these days, really increasing their range. Lovely shot and lucky you. Quick on the draw!
Thank you for all of your comments. After posting this today I've learnt a lot about a whole range of British birds, so I've got a lot more than an identification out of this post!
Definitely a red kite, I saw three today circling a dead rabbit on the road. Gorgeous birds and becoming gloriously common
As this thread is about IDing Red Kites, I'll add this here
Doors and windows open to the garden just now, I heard an unusal bird call, high in the sky - initially I thought perhaps a flock of migrating waders, but...... looking up ...... way up very very high ........... six raptors circling and calling to each other ........ watched and watched ........... listened and listened ............. and then when they'd gone I rushed in and downloaded some calls and listened ........... Yes! Six Red Kites circling high above us
My Sister lives in Herts and there are lots there.
Never seen on in Devon, but we have lots of buzzards.
We are right on the edge of the city - although we have woods and marshes just over the hill - I've seen red kites up in North Norfolk, and over at Nutcutlet's place on the edge of Cambridgeshire, and I've seen buzzards over arable land in North Suffolk and hobbies and marsh harriers around the Broads ........ but virtually over central Norwich!!!
Although of course I know they used to scavenge in London in the Middle Ages.
I'm thinking they may be migrants returning to Europe for the winter?
I'm thinking they may be migrants returning to Europe for the winter?
You'll set the Daily ( Hate ) Mail readers off Dove.