Tuesday 9 October 2012

Calling all raptor experts. This picture was taken last month in a rural area just outside Rhodes town. My reference books suggest it is a Long-legged Buzzard by the fact that common buzzards may only over winter at this southern location. Can anyone offer confirmation, or otherwise. Could it be Steppe Buzzard (vulpinus). I can add that there appeared to be a family party of up to 5 birds regularly observed practically every day between 12th to 26th September.
Await replies with interest.
Thanks

2 comments:

Fred Drake said...

Hi Mike seems to me it is longlegged sa this bird is described as long winged as in your pics.Steppe is a smaller bird.Fred Drake.

Mark D said...

I'd vote for adult long-legged based on the following; the dark trailing edge on the wings and the lack of a sub-terminal band in the tail.