Hello,
I was driving to York along the M180 last Wednesday with Thorne Moors on my left, almost at the M18 intersection,when I caught a very brief glimpse of a bird of prey flying low to my left. It was close but as I was driving I was unable to look at it for more than a couple of seconds and it was almost immediately behind me. My main impression was of a large russet coloured bird with broad black wings and a VERY visible white rump. As i've said. it was only a brief glimpse so I'm not at all sure, but the only thing I can think it was, is a female HenHarrier. Is that likely?
Ladybird
Why is there never enough time?
Hi Ladybird,
Going by your description of the wings and the "russet" colour, i'd be inclined to agree with Paul...it does sound like you saw a harris hawk.
hen harriers are very pale birds - even the female is light brown with dappled wings so they do appear "light" even in poor conditions. They also have quite slender wings (and resemble a short eared-owl to be honest!) so it could be a falconers bird that you saw.
I've attached a picture of a Harris Hawk just in case this helps :0)
Cheerio!
x
How exciting! Don't know enough to answer, but I suppose it might be possible (sounds like suitable habitat nearby). Only other russet coloured birds I can think of are red kite (again possible?) and kestrel - although sounds too big for that! No doubt there's someone out there who knows more....
Make the boy interested in natural history if you can; it is better than games [Robert Falcon Scott]
I know!!! I'm still excited about it now! Just wish I could be completely certain what it was. It was far too large for a Kestrel and (I think) too dark for a red kite. It was SO frustrating at the time being on a motorway and not able to stop or turn round for a better look!!!
Hello Ladybird,
I see no reason at all why it couldn't have been a hen harrier!
Juvenile and female hen harriers are known colloquially as 'ring-tails' on account of the horizontal bars (or rings) on the tail feathers. However, unless seen well, it is difficult to tell them apart.
Juveniles are more rufous in colour, especially on the underparts and have a more 'contrasting' upperwing pattern.
Hen harriers are probably the most persecuted of all of our bird of prey. You can help us put a stop to the illegal killing by signing our pledge here.
Best wishes,
Darren
Leave only footprints, kill only time.
Thanks Darren,
I didn't get an impression of the "ring tail" but the rufous colour and the white rump were pronounced.
Made my day seeing it. The first thing i did in York was to check it out in Borders book shop!!!
I've already signed the pledge. Best of luck.
Regards
Virginia
Nice one Ladybird!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
The other species it could be is an escaped harris hawk. This is a North American species that is commonly kept in the UK. They have a red/brown body and broad black wings with a white rump. I would describe a hen harrier as having slim, long pointed wings, a long tail and the white rump.
Paul
Hi Saker
Wow what a fantastic photo of a harris hawk.. Thanks for posting it for us.
I would be pleased if I saw either a hen harrier or a harris hawk, and thrilled to bits if I managed to take a photo of it!
Pledge signed.
Best wishes Chris
Click Here to see my photos
Hi,
sounds like an escaped Harris hawk- probably more likely in June than a Hen Harrier in that location :)
S
Please state the nature of the birding emergency
Hi Saker,
I'm sure you are right.
We have just had a falconry centre open near us and they have a Harris Hawk. I'm now sure that was what i saw.
Cheers for answering!!