Bird of prey

Sun 8 Jun 2025, 12:42

Could have helped Kris (though I don’t have it) however standing on Browns Lane with bird a long way up, I could hear nothing other than people and passing vehicles. 

Sun 8 Jun 2025, 08:41

Would Merlin the bird identification app help?  Kris

Thu 5 Jun 2025, 09:19

The sparrow hawk seems most likely in terms of size. Have only ever seen these when in “action” diving on prey,  so taking the gliding into account this seems most likely. Thanks everyone.

Wed 4 Jun 2025, 19:20

Sparrow hawk? I saw one yesterday up Walcot way. They have a blunt tail and enjoy gliding - when theyre not swooping like a bullet on a pigeon.

Wed 4 Jun 2025, 18:54

The swift description suggests a Peregrine. 

Wed 4 Jun 2025, 07:47

Buzzard?

Wed 4 Jun 2025, 06:02

Sounds like a Peregrine to me. Hobby's are a similar size to a Kestrel, definitely not a Goshawk by that description, & the fact that they are very rare & stick to wooded areas.

Tue 3 Jun 2025, 22:01

I think both the goshawk and peregrine falcon too large and heavily set, but the flight profile of the hobby looks…just right. Exciting. Thanks for the help. Going to be walking around staring upwards now  ( I was passing the Memorial  Hall when I noticed it)

Tue 3 Jun 2025, 21:21

A drone perhaps? I observed one over the middle of town today, what's that about?

Tue 3 Jun 2025, 20:55

There are goshawks nesting nearby. Could be one of them. 

Tue 3 Jun 2025, 20:15

A Peregrine maybe??  Exotic.....

Tue 3 Jun 2025, 18:03

Maybe a Hobby?  A summer visitor.  That’s good.

Tue 3 Jun 2025, 16:55

Just seen an unrecognisable raptor over the centre of town. Bigger than kestrel, smaller than kite. Too high for much detail, but shaped like a large swift with a blunt tail. Circled upwards before I lost sight of it. It looked grey, but hard to judge in the bright sun. I’ve looked through possibilities and non seem “quite right”