Flap flap glide (1 Viewer)

[redshift]

Brief naked-eye glimpse in the distance (through a window, sitting in a meeting in Bradford) of a large bird, crow-sized approximately - maybe bigger, flying horizontally with a pretty relaxed flap-flap-flap-glide rhythm. I watched three cycles of this before it disappeared from view. Flew level, and a much slower flap than a sparrowhawk.

Any thoughts? Recognisable from that extremely scanty description? I've not seen a crow etc fly like this.

 

[Michael Frankis]

I fear it'll have to remain a UFO . . .

Michael

 

[Andrew Rowlands]

Sounds pretty much like Goshawk.

Andy.

 

[Michael Frankis]

Unfortunately, Buzzards can also fit that description. So can Herons and Herring Gulls, not that I'm suggesting it was either of those!

Michael

 

[Andrew Rowlands]

Redshift has made comparison with Sparrowhawks and Crow.
Buzzards would look larger and would rarely, I think, use three consecutive cycles of flap, flap, flap, glide in level flight.
Surelly the size and bowed wings of a Heron would rule it out?
Herring Gull???

Andy.


Edited for spelling.

 

[CJW]

Jay.

 

[Andrew Rowlands]

Aaagh, CJW, Jay is a likely candidate, more commonly seen flying in the open at this time of year. Though they tend to have a 'weak' looking flight with a tendency to appear as if they are 'flying uphill'.

 

[redshift]

It was quite a "powerful" relaxed flight. Fairly broad wings - didn't look gull-like. The bird looked dark but then probably most birds would against the sky at that distance.

I do realise that ID is pretty much impossible and that it was a daft question, but I wondered what the experts' first thoughts would be! o

 

[CJW]

Jay.

 

[Andrew Rowlands]

Very reasoned discussion, CJW, try not to be too helpful, eh?

Andy.

 

[CJW]

Come on Andy! There's nothing to go on - if I had more info' then perhaps I could put together a reasoned discussion. It's still as valid a suggestion as anything else we've had so far.

Jay.

 

[Michael Frankis]

Reminds me of the Black Stork claim that BBRC once dealt with: "A big bird, mostly black above, black and white below, with a long red beak". The BBRC pointed out, nothing there to exclude Oystercatcher. Unfortunately, the rarities committee has to be that cynical, in order to be certain of getting the record certain.

So far all we have is:
1. Flap flap glide flying mode (most large birds do this at least sometimes!)
2. Crow sized, or perhaps (but not definitely) bigger
3. Slower wingbeat than a Sparrowhawk
and added later
4. Fairly broad wings, not gull-like
5. Probably dark, though maybe just a silhouette

Size of a single bird in mid-air is notoriously hard to judge, so #2 is not definite. Jay is an option, so are Rook, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Grey Heron, and Cormorant (come to think of it, Cormorant is a strong contender!). And Greylag and Canada Geese. And a whole lot more improbables and highly improbables, including Goshawk, Honey Buzzard, Hen & Marsh Harriers, Black Kite, Osprey, Raven, Purple Heron, Common Crane, Gannet (well, maybe not!!), and, yes, Black Stork . . . dream on!! o

Michael