Rough-Legged Buzzard (1 Viewer)

[cholo]

Would appreciate any confirmation of a rough-legged buzzard circling over open fields between Whatton and Langar yesterday at around 4pm.

I've not seen one of these before but had an uninterrupted view for around 5 minutes with 15x70 tripod mounted bins. I was initially attracted by the sheer size of the bird gliding on the thermals against a clear blue sky. At first quick glance it looked like an eagle but reference to the guide indicates a R-L buzzard.

It finally flew off to the northeast with a very leisurely wing beat.

Awesome.

 

[knotsbirder]

Possibly a pale Common Buzzard? A lot, lot commoner in Notts and your description suits.

Sam

 

[cholo]

I agree Sam, it can be difficult to distinguish. I'm seen plenty of buzzards before but what really caught my eye with this was a/ the size and b/the large shining, gleaming white inner part of the tail. Very distinctive.
The immediate impression of unusual size is hardly a scientific observation I know but the missus picked up on that at first glance and shouted "eagle".

Oh well, in the absence of any other sightings it will just have to go down as a maybe.

 

[knotsbirder]

Quite a few Buzzards do have that white inner part of the tail ( http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMet8JpYSd8/ToOW5ymJD3I/AAAAAAAAbBs/mcx9o_u2UOc/s1600/BZ.jpg You can get some with a lot larger white patch than this). Other factors do have to be taken into account, eg thick black tail-end. This site describes these features pretty well: http://kelkbirds.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/rough-times.html . Also there is very little size difference between the two - they are roughly the same size although Rough-legs usually have slightly longer and bigger wings ( http://raptorimages.hu/wp-content/g...uzzard_vs_common_buzzard__en_w600_kovacsa.jpg ). Also size is often very difficult to judge with the lack of comparisons, especially in an empty sky.

 

[cholo]

I've had a Google round and this is virtually identical to what I saw.

http://uk400clubrarebirdalert.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/hertfordshire-rough-legged-buzzard.html

To be honest I've seen very few buzzards in this area and have to make do with the local hawk who has taken to my garden for some reason.

Thanks for your help.

John