#weirwoodreservoir honeybuzzard birding nature

[sussex-nature-lover]

Saturday 19th September 2020

Update to the Mystery Bird

I had another email from the birders at Weir Wood Reservoir.

>>I answered your email not realizing that T had also sent your pictures to AG. A is much more experienced with raptor ID than I am, and is involved with the Sussex Ornith Soc raptor group.

I note A has suggested it is not an Osprey, and has consulted an experienced colleague where there is suggestions of Honey Buzzard – I would take their best assessment of species ID over mine, particularly with ID of Honey Buzzards – I did suggest Osprey was most likely, but the photo did not clearly show the definitive Osprey head marking to be positive.<<

So, Honey Buzzard? Checking the sighting list at Weir Wood there have been sightings, most recently in June by AG.

Here’s info on the Honey Buzzard ( Pernis apivorus) which curiously, isn’t actually a Buzzard.

Reading up on the Honey Buzzard indicators make mention of the head shape and posture being similar to that of a Cuckoo and looking at my silhouette photo I think I can go along with that.

https://www.birdguides.com/articles/identification/common-and-european-honey-buzzards-photo-id-guide/

I haven’t heard back from T as yet but if it was a Honey Buzzard that’s amazing - although, it’s amazing if it was an Osprey too. We’ve never seen either before.