Raptor ID (from a description only)

• PimperneBloke

  

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  • 23 Jan 2021 4:23 PM

  In reply to Dave - CH:

  Dave - CH said:

  coup attempts

  Pigeon impersonators are NOT allowed!

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• Dave - CH

  

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  • 23 Jan 2021 4:25 PM

  In reply to PimperneBloke:

  :-)

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• Dave - CH

  

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  • 23 Jan 2021 4:25 PM

  Well, I guess I'll give this one another day, and then decide that we saw two birds and not one.

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• Dave - CH

  

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  • 24 Jan 2021 1:01 PM

  So, 't'will remain a mystery.
  
  It's entirely possible that we saw two separate species.
  
  The white cheek and streaked torso could, perhaps, have been a Peregrine. But we wouldn't, personally, have said so.
  
  The "commuter" may well have been an owl of some description, although, having watched a number of videos (including from the BTO) I'm not entirely convinced. The little I've seen, owl flight appears to be fairly stiff-winged, while "our" mystery bird's wings were very flexible, with a lot of hand action, particularly in the down stroke.
  
  Impossible to check, say, a Long-Eared Owl as a possible candidate, as sightings (here) are hidden all year round.
  
  Probably a sparrow. And a trick of the light.
  
  Thanks, all, for your patience and input.
  
  Off to do some Dipper hunting.

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