Bird ID help please

[Beefsteak 305]

I took these a few days ago, it was up very high and the weather was appaling, I thought it was a Buzzard, I have only just uploaded to the PC and on second veiwing I'm not so sure .

Any help would be much appreciated

[OLDACE 196]

Yes it is a Buzzard, but not a common or garden one. It is a Honey Buzzard, indentified by it's relatively small head, and on the second photo by it's barred tail. One or two pairs used to nest in Sherwood Forest, and may still do so.

They are an uncommon summer visitor to the UK, wintering in Africa. They feed mainly on wasp larvae.

You are very lucky to see one, and well done for getting the ID shots. The sighting will interest the local County Bird Recorder, if you can contact him.

[Beefsteak 305]

Thank's OLDACE, I'll get in contact ASAP

I've had a few others look at them and their answers have ranged from a Hobby through Juvenile Buzzard, Peregrine , Goshawk, and a Sparrowhawk !

[OLDACE 196]

The Hobby and Peregrine are falcons and have pointed wings, the juvenile Buzzard does not have a barred tail. The Goshawk and Sparrowhawk do have barred tails and barring on the underparts, but the barring shown on photo's 1 and 4 are more consistant with Honey Buzzard than Gos or Sparrowhawk.

The small head, neck, and bill also indicate Honey Buzzard. Gos and Sparrowhawk have powerful necks in order to tear flesh. Your bird eats insects and their larva, so does not need a large head, neck, and bill.

A Honey Buzzard was seen eating Shag's eggs at Sumburgh Head a couple of years ago, but then we don't have wasps in Shetland, and only a few bees,and it must have been very hungry.

BTW Your county recorder should tell you his opinion of the bird if you ask him.