Bird ID required (no photo yet)

paulusdu

I spotted a huge bird of prey yesterday in East Galway (not a Sea Eagle) driving herself to work. Nearly crashed the car watching it fly close to the car, looked very much like a Red Kite, but I thought they are only over in Wicklow.

Any idea what it could have been, Large bird of Prey, brow feathers, pretty dark colouring. Far too big for a hawk and smaller than a Sea Eagle.

Of course when I went back with the camera, there was no sign.

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Buzzard?

Kimbot

Could have been this?

paulusdu

It was much bigger than a peregrine and flew less agilely, must have been a buzzard. I would have noticed the difference in the tail had it been the kite i guess, but I'm still not 100% sure.

I did say to my wife "I think that was a Red Kite", her reply was "no, i'm sure it was a real bird"

I will keep an eye open with the camera in the car

Nightforce 65X55

Here are photos of both a Buzzard and a Red Kite , Might help with your ID.

[IMG][/img]Buzzard in Flight 11 by Rod Wilson, on Flickr

[IMG][/img]Red Kite 3 by Rod Wilson, on Flickr