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Post by Psamathe on Feb 21, 2024 13:31:44 GMT
There is no "answer" to this question but when I'm out cycling I'm seeing a fair number of what I'd call small birds of prey (compared to eg Buzzards). Virtually all are hovering over fields close to roads (the roads could be "bias" because I'm cycling on roads so wont be seeing those not near roads).
Trouble is, no long lens and viewing against the sky it's impossible to see underside colours and patterns.
My understanding is the hovering over road verge and fields looking down for prey is more likely to be Kestrels where Sparrow Hawks tend to perch then fly out to catch typically another4 bird.
So if I guessed would I be seeing Kestrels or Sparrow Hawks or something else I've overlooked (I am in Norfolk but fair distance from Broads so I'\ve sort of ignored Marsh Harriers).
As I say, no answer but probabilities?
Thanks
Ian
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Post by Tringa on Feb 21, 2024 14:53:40 GMT
The probability is the birds you are seeing are kestrels. The only small birds of prey are kestrel, merlin, sparrowhawk and hobby. Sparrowhawks are resident but unlikely to hover. They will often, as you say, sit and wait for an opportunity or fly using bushes or fences for cover to ambush a bird. Hobbys are summer visitors and won't be here now. There are a number of summer visitors that overwinter now and then, but I haven't heard of overwintering hobbys. In a strong wind they could hover but from what I read hovering is not a characteristic of hobbys. Merlins are smaller than kestrels and during the breeding season are moorland birds but during the winter they can be found in many other areas, including Norfolk. They are not known for hovering. As you said the birds are small compared to buzzard then a marsh harrier is ruled out as it is about buzzard size. A couple of links to ID videos from the BTO. www.bto.org/develop-your-skills/bird-identification/videos/bto-bird-id-kestrel-and-merlinwww.bto.org/develop-your-skills/bird-identification/videos/bto-bird-id-hobby-kestrelDave |
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Post by Psamathe on Feb 21, 2024 15:33:55 GMT
Many thanks
One day I'll be walking with camers and long lens but cycling and they move on when you are a fair distance away so hard to get a close look.
Thanks again.
Ian
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Post by Psamathe on Mar 4, 2024 22:13:38 GMT
Got a far better view of one today, particularly its tail (as it hovered). Very obvious black tips to tail feathers forming a very clear black border to end of tail (whilst it hovered).
So a Kestrel and from my "books" a ♀︎.
Thanks again (and do correct me if I'm wrong).
Ian
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Post by Tringa on Mar 5, 2024 10:11:49 GMT
I had to check the identification marks on the tail and found this - www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxOWqsccvmkBoth sexes have a black bar at the tip of the tail but the females have black bars. The best ID pointer is the difference in head colour but when they are hovering well above you that is not always seen easily. Always good to see a kestrel which seem to be making a bit of a come back. Dave |
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