Hello,
Recently I keep seeing what I think are soaring peregrines, but I cannot properly distinguish them. They are definitely either kestrels or peregrines, however most of my books/online don’t help much to distinguish them. Also, I am pretty poor at taking photos of high flying birds, so I thought it’s more beneficial if I identified them (experience anyway). Is there any tips or tricks to differentiating these birds in flight? (I know what they look like when perched or travelling but more specifically when they soar). Thanks, Ellis
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Not for identification purposes, but so I can fully understand what you mean. Does this bird have the same length tail as wing base? I would say yes but I might be confused. Thanks
Trying to identify birds on the wing, particularly when soaring high can be very challenging. What may help is studying how they fly, as in flight formation rather than the basic flap the wings and off they go.
Also if time allows, and you manage to watch, how they chase their prey.
I'm far from an expert, I'm still at the first rung on the ladder of learning, and still get my ID's wrong, and thankfully, folk here will correct me.
I use a combination of books and websites, sticking to the known and trusted sources like the RSPB, Wikipedia and Birdguides, plus the books already mentioned along with one other, "Collins Complete Guide - British Wildlife : A photographic guide to every common species" available from many good outlets which has some very clear pictures to make some identifications from.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Any thoughts on whether this is a kestrel or peregrine? Seen in NYC a couple days ago. It was eating a smaller bird. Based on colors, I thought kestrel, but I’m told a kestrel is more like the size of a robin, and this was bigger than that. I appreciate any feedback!