bird of prey identification

[pumbaa]

Hi , I had a supprise the other day when a bird of prey landed next to me (in the garden) and picked up a mouse (or similar) . I would like to try and identify what it was . It wasnt there for long and had its back to me . It was mainly a reddy colour with dark wing/tail tips and a dark head .
Any body got any ideas or links that may help ? I seem to have exhusted google !
Cheers
Pumbaa

 

[scanker]

Any idea of size? Try http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/ It's a good site, and has got sparrowhawk, kestrel, goshawk etc.

 

[pumbaa]

Not sure on most of them , it seemed redder across its back . I am guessing at about 40/50cm for the hight of the bird . It was only about 2m from me !
Pumbaa

 

[jdlenton]

sounds like a big boy to me and a lucky lucky experience

long shot could be one of red kite but there too big and in the wrong places in the uk

more likley one of these buzzard common ATM

after that its sparrow hawk,

and after that ummmmm I'm gona have to think

James

 

[Minotaur]

Sounds like a Male Kestral to me.

Try hear but you may have to google for better images.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/index.asp

 

[andyn]

Pumbaa, I bet that made you jump mate!

One of those amazing sights/experiances that probably won't happen again anytime soon.

 

[lardbloke]

How cool is that.

I remember being in skye (or was it Mull) and a sea eagle landed on a telegraph pole just above our heads. I was stunned at the shear size of the thing. At first I thought it was a buzzard until others around me started pointing etc. The bird nearly caused a pile up of tourists slowng down to catch a glimpse. I tried to get the old camera out, but as usual nature/children and cameras......

 

[Povarian]

Sounds way too big to be a kestrel.

I'll go with the buzzard suggestion.

 

[Rod]

Hi Pumbaa

Red Kite or Buzzard - without pic can't be more specific, sorry

cheers