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yob kulcha Member
Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 359
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Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 11:02 pm Post subject: Bird of prey - but which one? |
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We were out around North Glasgow at the weekend and at 2 caches, near Torrance and Bearsden, we saw the same type of bird.
It seemed clear that it was a bird of prey since it alternated between swooping, gliding and hovering flight. It was very noticeable since it seemed quite large (2 - 3 feet wingspan at a guess) and when it hovered the pale feathers under its wings seemed to flash slowly - almost like a strobe light - as it flapped.
It had a creamy coloured underside with some rusty colours near the top of the underside of the wings. I can't really give a better description I'm afraid.
Any ideas? |
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Seacon Founder member
Joined: 16 Sep 2005 Posts: 56 Location: Northern Ireland
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Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject: |
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Difficult to say however a possible contender is a Buzzard.
It fits the description in terms of location, size, flight characteristic and colour (though individual birds can be quite variable in colour). They tend to sit on regular vantage points. Electricity poles being quite common. |
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Third Generation Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 56 Location: Fife
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Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 11:33 pm Post subject: |
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I would guess that chances are it was a Buzzard as these are becoming very common everywhere in Scotland.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/b/buzzard/index.asp
IF this link works (which in itself will be a minor miracle) check it out.
Jean _________________ Nothing wrong with making mistakes. Just don't respond with encores. |
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ghiribizzo Member
Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 510 Location: Ferryport-on-Craig. The Kingdom of Fife.
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Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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As common (more so?) than sparrows round here...
_________________ Anyone for a Hot Cross bun and a Creme Egg? |
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yob kulcha Member
Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 359
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Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for all the info (and the working links!). I thought it was a buzzard too, but I'm hardly Natureboy. I've only ever seen buzzards at a distance and even then rarely. I can also recognise their cry, but this one didn't make a sound and I've never seen a buzzard hover in the same way that the smaller raptors do.
Cheers. |
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Team Ballibeg Member
Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 150
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:23 am Post subject: |
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Raptors all have a very similar cries. I'd find it impossible to tell a Golden Eagle from a Red Kite or a buzzard by call alone.
Dave |
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