What type of hawk?

Dusty87

Hi guys, i was walking through the fields the other day when a raptor type bird flew in front of me. It didnt seem too big, maybe around the size of a crow. It was in the light of the setting sun. It looked to have reddish feathers. I live in the midlands. Does this ring bells with anyone? I got out the book and was on the birdwatching website but to no avail. Im beginning to think that the red may have been from the sun but i was fairly sure.
Thanks
Dusty

The Saint

Kestrel?

PinkTulips

sparrowhawk?

PinkTulips

red kite?

Dusty87

I would be inclined to say red kite but maybe first one also. There seemed to be a lot of redness. Is there a site i can go to to view good pictures other than birdwatchireland? Also are them 3 birds resident in the midlands? Thanks for the reply's:)

The Saint

Well the red kite has only been reintroduced into Wicklow in 2007 I think so I'd doubt it's that one if you're in Offaly. However, the sparrowhawk and kestrel are found throughout the country.

jmkennedyie

Dusty87 wrote: »

I would be inclined to say red kite but maybe first one also. There seemed to be a lot of redness. Is there a site i can go to to view good pictures other than birdwatchireland? Also are them 3 birds resident in the midlands? Thanks for the reply's:)

http://www.rspb.org/wildlife/birdguide/name/a/index.asp

wobzilla

if it was only small it was most likely a kestrel. could be a hobby or a merlin though.

Dusty87

wobzilla wrote: »

if it was only small it was most likely a kestrel. could be a hobby or a merlin though.

Yea was looking at pictures of the Merlin but couldnt find are they found where i live. Could be merlin. I am going out with the Binos and camera to see if i can get picture

joe_elway

Deffo not a Red Kite if it was the size of a Crow. The adult has a 1.8 metre wingspan and the youngsters are beige/brown instead of red.