Raptor Riddle 2?

[RaptorBirder]

I clearly underestimated the ID skills out there so here's a potentially more challenging subject captured in Europe.

What's this species please?

[greenwithensbirder]

a quick guess hen harrier

[Nighthawk]

I think I'd be inclined to go for Hen Harrier as well.

[AndyB]

What on earth is it doing? Has it just dropped its prey or did it chase it in to the water? I guess I'd go for harrier. Interesting shot.

[Stephen R]

i'll be different and go for peregrine?

[Joe Ray]

I'll go with Hen Harrier.

[greenwithensbirder]

well what is it please?

[RaptorBirder]

Hi Darrell

Sorry to keep you in suspense but there haven't been any correct answers yet!

[AndyB]

Really??! Ok, I'm looking at it again and now I think I can see facial disc, so perhaps an owl (although I can see why everyone went for harrier because tail looks long) - Short-eared?

[Graham Etherington]

Judging by the large size, amount of barring on the primaries, the long rounded tail, and scalloping on the back, I'd say a 1st-year female Northern Goshawk.

[greenwithensbirder]

must admit i thought goshawk but the tail looks to long from experience of the bird,though i'm usually wrong anyway!!!!

[Joe Ray]

To be different, I'll go with Kestrel, although instict says otherwise.

[Nighthawk]

I think the only one it could be is a Goshawk, though do we know where it was taken?

[RaptorBirder]

Well done Graham for breaking the deadlock!

And for such a specific and accurate identification too.

I've added another image which shows the very ambitious juvenile female Goshawk in a more typical pose, apparently trying her luck at one of the Greylags.

I believe the second image was actually captured just before original the Raptor Riddle 2 shot, which explains the water splash that Andy was intrigued by.

I think this case illustrates just how still images can sometimes capture raptors in unusual poses which can then lead to incorrect identifications.

Thanks to all who had a go!

RaptorBirder

PS. Images captured by Esa Ervasti (Finland).

[macrourus]

Indeed I think its a 1st y A.gentilis female...
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[macrourus]

OOOOPs I did not seen before there was a 2nd page of mails with in fact the right solution...
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