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Post by Neil Konrad III on Dec 9, 2011 4:28:22 GMT
Can anyone ID this raptor? I came upon this as I was walking the farm this morning, around 6AM. It was really overcast and under a tree.  thanks in advance! |
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Post by Steve Albano on Dec 9, 2011 4:49:17 GMT
what a great find!! looks like a Common kestrel but of course 'am no expert.. .
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Post by paulbourdin on Dec 9, 2011 10:44:36 GMT
Aside from the talons and the hooked bill I'd agree Bob!
Grey-faced Buzzard, though the throat pattern is not visible. Possibly a function of poor light and ruffled feathers. Scale looks odd though, how big was it?
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Post by steve pryor on Dec 9, 2011 11:12:19 GMT
Paul,
That is the call I get from my first impression. With this physionomy, it is either Butastur, or Accipiter.
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Post by des on Dec 9, 2011 17:33:11 GMT
I agree with Paul. First-winter? I am in a library away from bird books...
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Post by Neil Konrad III on Dec 12, 2011 1:02:49 GMT
Sirs, I'd guess it was about 12 inches in height (?) Here are more photos that might help:   I hope to get a better shot next time.  |
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Post by des on Dec 12, 2011 9:19:36 GMT
It is good that you got several shots, but yes, Grey-faced Buzzard
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Post by paulbourdin on Dec 12, 2011 9:36:58 GMT
Yes, that in-flight shot, poor though it is, does clinch the ID.
It's interesting you chose to estimate the size in inches. As it happens a Grey-faced Buzzard averages about 17 inches long, nearly 50% bigger than your estimate. This is normal, and actually less of an error than many others I have heard! People are in general poor at estimating distances without a handy scale (in fact most people dramatically over-estimate distances when trying to assign a numerical value), and I include myself in this. It is when we compare against a similar object without putting a number to it that we get more accuracy. I try and estimate sizes by using phrases like "as big as a ..."
By the way I'm really interested in the fact you're down in Bukidnon taking photographs. I don't know how many birders have lived there for lengthy periods, but it can't be many. You should keep up the good work, it has real value!
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Post by Neil Konrad III on Dec 13, 2011 1:57:42 GMT
Yes, that in-flight shot, poor though it is, does clinch the ID. It's interesting you chose to estimate the size in inches. As it happens a Grey-faced Buzzard averages about 17 inches long, nearly 50% bigger than your estimate. This is normal, and actually less of an error than many others I have heard! People are in general poor at estimating distances without a handy scale (in fact most people dramatically over-estimate distances when trying to assign a numerical value), and I include myself in this. It is when we compare against a similar object without putting a number to it that we get more accuracy. I try and estimate sizes by using phrases like "as big as a ..." By the way I'm really interested in the fact you're down in Bukidnon taking photographs. I don't know how many birders have lived there for lengthy periods, but it can't be many. You should keep up the good work, it has real value! I was going to say " as big as a spring chicken" but decided to give numbers ;D I guess giving a comparison will be more helpful. Thank you for the tip sir! |
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