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What kinda bird is this?

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  • 08-12-2010 2:53am
    #1
    foolelle
    Registered Users Posts: 423 ✭✭


    hi all, apologies for the very poor pic I couldnt get it zoomed fast enough to catch him.

    went for a hike up the dublin mountains last wednesday, needless to say its quite another world up there during a heavy snow. (ive included a second pic for your enjoyment)

    On my assent through kilmashogue forest spotted this guy flying over my head. shortly after he landed on a rock just up ahead of me, alas as soon as i reached for the camera he legged it.

    can anyone tell me what it is?


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    #2
    Mothman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,498 ✭✭✭Mothman


    More info would be useful.

    An indication of size? Compare it to a bird you know.

    An indication of colour if possible. Dark, light? Borwn, Grey?


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    #3
    stevensi
    Registered Users Posts: 421 ✭✭stevensi


    I'm thinking kestrel by the look of it but couldn't rule out a merlin. If you have any observations about it when it landed on the rock let us know


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    #4
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 48,516 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    looks like a holly to me!


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    #5
    wildlifeman
    Registered Users Posts: 91 ✭✭wildlifeman


    they all look alike from afar..i would guess kestrel too


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    #6
    Smartypantsdig
    Closed Accounts Posts: 116 ✭✭Smartypantsdig


    Gut instinct says kestrel but if the angle was better I wouldn't rule out sparrowhawk... though the wings do look pointed.


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    #7
    V Bull
    Registered Users Posts: 719 ✭✭✭V Bull


    Anyone know what type this little guy is. He was buzzing around a pair of Buzzards today....I dont think he is a Kestrel as he has redish legs, Thanks.

    img0183g.jpg


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    #8
    marlin vs
    Registered Users Posts: 1,630 ✭✭✭marlin vs


    Sparrowhawk.


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    #9
    stevensi
    Registered Users Posts: 421 ✭✭stevensi


    Yes a sparrowhawk. Notice the bars on the chest of the bird a kestrel would be streaked...


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    #10
    foolelle
    Registered Users Posts: 423 ✭✭foolelle


    Mothman wrote: »
    More info would be useful.

    An indication of size? Compare it to a bird you know.

    An indication of colour if possible. Dark, light? Brown, Grey?

    he seemed to be about the same size as a crow, maybe slightly smaller, grey in colour, other than that ive nothing to go on, i looked down to get the camera and he was gone in a flash, apologies for the vagueness


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    #11
    heavyballs
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭heavyballs


    foolelle wrote: »
    he seemed to be about the same size as a crow, maybe slightly smaller, grey in colour, other than that ive nothing to go on, i looked down to get the camera and he was gone in a flash, apologies for the vagueness

    it looks like a sparrow hawk to me but not at all sure


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    #12
    foolelle
    Registered Users Posts: 423 ✭✭foolelle


    cool, thanks for all replies


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    #13
    Git101
    Registered Users Posts: 660 ✭✭✭Git101


    I showed Foolelle's photo to a friend of mine, who I would regard as extremely knowledgeable in bird matters, especially raptors.
    Without missing a beat he said kestrel, that would certainly be good enough for me.


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    #14
    Feargal as Luimneach
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,139 ✭✭✭Feargal as Luimneach


    Git101 wrote: »
    I showed Foolelle's photo to a friend of mine, who I would regard as extremely knowledgeable in bird matters, especially raptors.
    Without missing a beat he said kestrel, that would certainly be good enough for me.
    The flight silohouette tells us it's a raptor like bird (short head/neck, long tail, long wings), but IMO you can't definitely say it's a kestrel from that photo alone.


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    #15
    Git101
    Registered Users Posts: 660 ✭✭✭Git101


    Feargal as Luimneach wrote: »
    The flight silohouette tells us it's a raptor like bird (short head/neck, long tail, long wings), but IMO you can't definitely say it's a kestrel from that photo alone.

    You may well be right Feargal, all I can tell you is this guy has kept, bred and flown raptors all his adult life and didn't hesitate for a second when shown the photo.

    This is my source


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