As I was leaving Middleton Lakes the other day I spotted this bird flying in my direction and managed to reel off a few shots (albeit fairly distant even with a 400mm lens!).
I've convinced myself that it's a Marsh Harrier (as there's known to be one pair at Middleton). But now I've had a look at my Handbook, I'm I'm uncertain because it looks fairly similar to a Buzzard.
The underwing pattern and colouring makes me hope it's a Marsh Harrier (because that will be the first time I've ever seen one!)
I'm not suffiently well up enough to help you Roger but I just wanted to say what a superb image this is, thanks for sharing!
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Buzzard. Marsh harriers look daintier. Fantastic photo!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Thanks both for your replies and comments.
Thanks Clare . . . although I'm really disappointed as I wanted this to be my first Marsh Harrier :-)
They look so incredibly similar, but just now having looked at some higher quality images on the Internet instead of drawings in the Handbook, I can see that my sighting is a Buzzard . . . drat!
It is a terrific photo but I agree with Clare that it's a Common Buzzard. Better luck next time.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
That's a stunning buzzard. Great photo.
"Birds are, quite simply, little miracles - and as such they require care and consideration."
Magnus Ullman
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Lovely shot. I am fortunate enough to live in Suffolk where we see Marsh Harriet very regularly, they are stunning. You will be blown away when you get to see your first one. I have never managed a photo though, do not have a 400 mm lens.
Jill
Thank you all for your comments . . . although personally, I don't reckon my photo is that great, at least, not up to the standard I like to try to maintain.
Just whilst out walking the dog, I suddenly got the urge to invest in a 1.4x converter for my zoom lens so as to get a bit closer to those very distant birds! :) (My wife might take a bit of convincing though!)
Nice photo but sorry it's a Common Buzzard.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can