Wouldn't turn round and I suspect its a Kestrel- if someone could clarify I would be grateful.
Cheers,
Bob
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Looks the part B_r_n, wish I could be 100% on this!
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This is where pictures are hard to identify from, as it looks slightly merlin, but my opinion is Kestrel
To each their own
Agree with Nighthawk has a Merlin look but would end up settling on Kestrel. I always find photo i.d. quite difficult.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Hi-
the build is Merlin and it shows no nape streaking which I would expect to see on a female kestrel at that angle. Also the flank streaks are heavy which favours Merlin and the tail looks too short for Kes and the undertail barring gives a heavy Merlin impression too.
:)
S
Others may differ
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I would say the flank streaking is a bit light for Merlin - compare this Kestrel:
and this Merlin (not my pic - my few Merlin shots are dire): http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2322/2463875580_ae9574b681_o.jpg
I don't really have a problem with the shape for Kestrel either, looks comparable to this Kestrel perched at a similar angle:
The nape streaking is another matter though, in fact the whole general look of the head. <sits on fence>
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Interesting to see that two of the people we often rely of for help are a bit confused like those of us who reckon to know a little bit feel a bit better about not getting the id 100% now.
Great shot of that little Merlin Aiki change from the post top poses we often get.
Where & on what was it perched Bob?
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
to my eyes the perched kes shot shows the tail shape and upperpart spotting that the mystery photo lacks
Although that one's hiding its flanks under its wings, you can just about make out the big blocky markings there.
I can't comment on the tail pattern because I can't make out anything that I'm sure is barring rather than shadows. But for those who can, this Merlin'n'Kestrel comparison might help - this IS one of my very own shoddy Merlin photos :)