Where ignorance is bliss

[Chocky]

It is folly to be wise
I'm sure I know what this bird is but need second opinion please
The stripe above the eye tells all

[rolf]

Looks like a Merlin to me Beryl, but not brilliant on raptors.

[Chocky]

A Merlin.gosh . Wow. I thought it might be that but then thought no. It will be a female if it is
I'll wait then and see see if anyone else might know.
Here is another photo

[Merlin]

Female Sparrowhawk Beryl. I reckon this bird has the most evil eyes of all the raptors.

Here's another smilie...


Pete.

[Chocky]

Thanks Pete. I'm really pleased with this shot .

I looked up and did a double take at first thinking it was a pigeon I couldn't see his face .but some how doubted and just kept snapping then he turned and Sparrowhawk was what I thought when I saw it but it was so high up and the tail with the white fringe (sort of thing ) made me think it's Sparrowhawk but I wasn't sure as I have never seen a female.
That is why I didn't guess

[Merlin]

Yes, I'd be pleased with it too Beryl, it's really good.

I did think of Goshawk but I'm not too well up on this bird which is a larger version of the Sparrowhawk. Also I don't know the status of the Goshawk down your way, just looks rather big doesn't it?

Happy to stick with Sparrowhawk though Beryl......


Pete.

[Chocky]

Yes. I first thought Sparrowhawk but I didn't want to say in this thread in case I was wrong. ( I often am)
It's the tail. It has a white fringe at the end and I looked up the Merlin and it says the tail is Brown and cream this one's tail is brown and dark brown. So yes . I'll go along with you on Sparrowhawk. I captured a lovely male about 4 feet away from me which is in the forum somewhere
Thanks Pete